Imam Baba Leigh has apologised to Gambians, particularly members of the Mandinka community, over remarks he made during a TikTok discussion, saying he did not intend to hurt or offend anyone.

In an audio message, Imam Leigh said he was seeking forgiveness from those who may have been offended by his comments, describing any harm caused as unintentional.

“I come to apologise for my words I made because I didn’t intend to hurt anyone. Therefore, I seek apology from everyone, especially those I offended unintentionally,” he said.

The apology follows remarks made by Imam Leigh during a discussion in which he commented on what he described as the tone of conversations among some Mandinka individuals and groups.

In a statement issued on August 16, Imam Leigh explained that his earlier comments were based on what he personally observed regarding what he perceived as a high level of anger and frustration in the messaging, discussions and public discourse of some individuals within certain Mandinka messaging and discussion groups.

He stressed at the time that his comments were not intended to characterise the Mandinka community as a whole.

Imam Leigh also clarified that he had spoken in his personal capacity and was not representing his mosque, religious community, political party or political leader.

He further stressed that he was not speaking on behalf of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) or in his official capacity as a commissioner.

“I categorically reject tribalism and discrimination in all its forms. I am not a tribalist, and I do not believe in tribalism,” he said in his earlier statement.

He said he had throughout his public life advocated for peace, unity, equality, respect for diversity and the protection of the rights and dignity of all Gambians regardless of ethnicity, religion, political affiliation or background.

Imam Leigh had also expressed regret that his comments caused hurt, anger or offence, particularly among members of the Mandinka community.

He said the discussion had been taken out of context in ways that did not reflect the purpose or outcome he intended.

His latest audio apology further reinforces his earlier expression of regret, as he directly seeks forgiveness from those who felt offended by his remarks.

The development comes amid renewed public discussion over comments touching on ethnicity and tribal identity in The Gambia, where calls for national unity and peaceful coexistence remain central to public discourse.

Imam Leigh has appealed for understanding and calm while reiterating his commitment to peace, national unity, human rights and respect for all communities that make up The Gambia.

By Adama Makasuba