The Fulbe Africa Organisation has condemned Gambia’s minister of lands and religious affairs, Hamat Bah, for associating most of the border crimes with herdsmen.

Mr. Bah attributed most of the border crimes in the sub-region to jihadists and herdsmen, urging for the strengthening of border security during a meeting with Banjul Muslim elders during the Eid festivals.

However, Fulbe Africa criticised Mr. Bah’s remarks as a “dangerous” statement, attributing livestock herdsmen as the cause of violence and jihadist attacks within the sub-region.

“This statement is not only false and irresponsible, coming from a state minister, but it is also a statement capable of negatively stereotyping decent herdsmen/Fulbe people in The Gambia and West Africa at large.

“The Honourable Minister’s statement is misleading and very dangerous, as it unfairly stigmatizes Fulbe herdsmen and puts Fulbe people and communities at risk of potential attacks and resentment,” the organization said.

“Fulbe people are known to be peaceful and law-abiding, continuing to live in peaceful cohabitation both among themselves and with other ethnic groups,”it said.

“It is our belief that when leaders speak, they should inspire hope, not cause uncertainty and despair within the country. Hon. Bah’s statement is not backed by any credible report, evidence, or intelligence linking Fulbe herdsmen to the cause of unrest.”

By Adama Makasuba