Supreme Islamic Council (SIC) has called for the exclusion of  the word ‘secular’ in the Gambia’s new constitution.

The word ‘secular’  sparks  concerns among Gambians.  Gambia Christians Council is demanding inclusion of ‘secular’ word in the new constitution. But the Supreme Islamic Council is strongly opposed to the new inclusion of the word ‘secular.’

Speaking at a news conference today, Sheikh Hama Jaiteh, official at SIC said: “If the other religious groups opt or decided to ally with the word secularist in an ideological fight or competition to deconsecrate or dereligionise and to despiritualise our norms and values which we believe has started since 2001 or way beyond, that will never deter us to continue advocating peacefully against the inclusion of the word secular in the new constitution.”

Sheikh Jaiteh added: “This is because secularising the country is a high threat to our religious freedom and practices, because Supreme Islamic Council believes that the inclusion of the word secular is a serious security threat  to our religious freedom and harmony and the respect that the country has been known for.”

Cadi Ousman Jah described the word ‘secular’ as “dangerous” adding “we are anti-secular and we don’t want it.”

Cadi Jah reaffirmed SIC continues insistence against the inclusion of the word ‘secular’ in the new constitution.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba