Human rights activist and Executive Director of the Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ), Madi Jobarteh, has strongly criticised Information Minister Dr Ismaila Ceesay over what he described as false, malicious and misleading claims about the organisation.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Jobarteh said he was compelled to respond after Dr Ceesay, during an interview on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez on West Coast Radio on Tuesday, January 20, claimed that EFSCRJ was a “one-man entity” and therefore lacked institutional standing.

Jobarteh dismissed the remarks as “factually incorrect, malicious and deeply concerning,” stressing that EFSCRJ is a legally registered institution recognised under Gambian law.

“An institution is not defined by the number of people involved, but by its mandate, structure, purpose and legal status. By law, registration itself confers institutional legitimacy,” he said.

He said the minister’s comments amounted to an attack on constitutional freedoms, including freedom of expression, association and civic participation, adding that such rhetoric was aimed at silencing accountability and dissent.

Jobarteh argued that EFSCRJ has become a target because of its persistent advocacy on governance, corruption and human rights issues, noting that critics were attacking personalities instead of addressing substantive concerns.

He also accused the minister of deliberate dishonesty, pointing out that Dr Ceesay has previously corresponded with, publicly acknowledged and commended EFSCRJ at official events.

“To now deny these facts is not ignorance. It is deliberate misrepresentation,” he said.

Jobarteh warned Dr Ceesay to “cease and desist” from making what he called false claims against the organisation, adding that legal action remains an option.

He reaffirmed EFSCRJ’s commitment to holding public officials accountable, stressing that scrutiny of public office is a constitutional right and duty.

“Public office belongs to the people, and citizens have the right to question, criticise and challenge authority. We will not be intimidated or silenced,” he added.