The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has launched an investigation into recent statements attributed to its Commissioner Imam Baba Leigh following growing public concerns and calls for his removal from office.

NHRC Chairperson Emmanuel Daniel Joof said the Commission had received a number of formal complaints regarding the statements and had referred the matter to its Directorate of Legal and Investigation (DLI).

“The NHRC takes matters relating to tribalism, hate speech, discrimination, intolerance and statements capable of undermining peaceful coexistence very seriously,” Joof said.

The DLI is currently examining the statements, the circumstances and context in which they were made, as well as other relevant issues.

According to the NHRC, Commissioner Leigh will also be engaged as part of the investigation, alongside other relevant persons where necessary.

The Directorate is expected to submit its findings, legal opinion and recommendations to the Commission once the investigation is completed.

The NHRC said it has deliberately refrained from making a substantive determination on the allegations while the investigation remains ongoing, arguing that doing so could prejudice the process.

“The Commission believes that it would be inappropriate to prejudge the matter,” Joof said.

The Commission also clarified that Leigh was on annual leave when the statements were made and was not representing the NHRC or speaking on its behalf.

Following the public reaction, Leigh issued a statement explaining the context of his remarks, stressing that he had spoken in his personal capacity.

He subsequently apologised in the local language to the Mandinka community and others who felt offended by his comments.

However, the NHRC said the adequacy of the explanation and apology, as well as whether further action should be taken, will be considered after the investigation establishes the facts.

The Commission also rejected the suggestion that its Chairperson can simply remove a Commissioner in response to public pressure.

Joof said the appointment, tenure and removal of NHRC Commissioners are governed by the NHRC Act and other applicable laws.

“Any removal must therefore follow the process prescribed by law and cannot properly be determined simply on the basis of public sentiment, pressure or demands,” he said.

The NHRC stressed that this does not mean it is shielding Leigh from accountability.

Instead, the Commission said a fair, independent and lawful process is necessary to establish the facts and determine whether any action is warranted.

The Commission reaffirmed its position against tribalism, hate speech, religious intolerance and discrimination, saying its zero-tolerance approach applies regardless of who makes the statement or which community is affected.

Joof said the NHRC has previously conducted and published a study on hate speech and engaged political parties and other stakeholders on the dangers of divisive rhetoric.

The Commission has also undertaken advocacy and dialogue aimed at promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence and social cohesion.

The investigation comes amid heightened public debate over Leigh’s alleged remarks, with sections of the public demanding accountability and others calling for due process.

The NHRC has appealed to the public to allow its investigative process to run its course, stressing that the absence of an immediate public determination should not be interpreted as inaction.

The Commission said it will consider the findings and recommendations of the DLI and take whatever action falls within its mandate and is justified by the facts and the law.

“The best protection against impunity is a fair, independent and lawful process that establishes the facts,” Joof said.

By Adama Makasuba