Saihou Mballow, Special Adviser to President Adama Barrow on Political Affairs, has reassured members of the Fula community that they are neither marginalised nor under threat in The Gambia.

Speaking at a community engagement reportedly organised by journalist Mariama Jallow between the Gambia Immigration Department (GID) and the Guinean community, Mballow highlighted what he described as the strong representation of Fulas at the highest levels of government.

He cited President Adama Barrow himself, the Vice President, the Secretary General of the Civil Service, the Secretary to the Cabinet, the Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), as well as senior police officers, as examples of Fulas in leadership.

“I want to inform you that in this government, if Fulas are not more than others, they are at least equal. That is the fact,” Mballow said.

“From the president to the vice president, the secretary general of the civil service, the secretary to the cabinet, the director of SIS, and myself as the president’s adviser—all are Fulas. Why then should you be scared?”

Mballow stressed that the Barrow administration would not tolerate discrimination or harassment against the Fula community, contrasting the present with what he claimed were instances of mistreatment in the past.

He also pointed to the reduction of alien fees, from over D3,000 to D750, as evidence of the government’s efforts to ease the burden on immigrant communities.

“Your concerns are our concerns. This is not about tribalism; we want everyone in The Gambia to live with dignity and enjoy their fundamental rights,” he said.

“No one should be harassed. President Barrow’s government upholds democracy, the rights of citizens, and respect for human dignity.”

Mballow, who holds dual Gambian and American citizenship, further argued that individuals of good character should have equal access to opportunities regardless of their ethnic or national background.

“In the United States, I can hold high positions except the presidency. If I can achieve that abroad, why should other citizens of good character in The Gambia not hold office or conduct their businesses freely?” he asked.

Mballow concluded by reaffirming that the government values diversity and inclusion, stressing that no community should feel inferior or excluded.