Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay, Gambia’s ambassador to South Africa, has apologised to the United Democratic Party (UDP) after a leaked audio recording surfaced in which she insulted party members and several activists.

Jahumpa Ceesay came under fire after the audio, reportedly a private conversation with a loyalist of the People’s Progressive Party, was leaked to the public.

Speaking to US-based Gambian journalist Omar Wally, she said she did not intend to offend the UDP.

She explained that the term domi harram, which translates to “bastard” in the Wolof language, is commonly used in everyday conversations when people are upset.

“I want to take this opportunity to apologise to the UDP for using the word ‘bastard,’ which we frequently use in our conversations.

“I have wronged them, and I want to sincerely apologise as a Muslim. I am sorry, and I want to apologise to the leadership and membership of the UDP,” she said.

She added that she would not have agreed to discuss the matter with the individual involved had she known the conversation would be leaked.

By Adama Makasuba