It emerged on May 17, 2025, a WhatsApp audio by the Gambian ambassador to South Africa, Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay releasing invectives on members of the UDP, while also spreading disinformation about an anti-corruption movement, Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA). In the audio, Fatoumatta made mischievous characterization of UDP members as well as impugned decent patriotic citizens with the evil intention to malign and discredit GALA.
EFSCRJ hereby strongly condemns Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay for her uncouth and false remarks. We find these remarks uncultured and unprovoked which are not necessary in a multiparty democracy.
We consider these remarks as dangerous and hateful which has the potential to incite violence and further polarize the Gambian society.
We are particularly outraged by these uncivilized remarks given that Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay was a Speaker of the National Assembly hence the third highest leader of the country at the time.
By this position, Fatoumatta has a national and moral duty to demonstrate leadership and responsibility to the Gambia for the rest of her life in maintaining the unity, peace, and protection of democracy.
Furthermore, Fatoumatta’s malicious remarks contradict the values and standards that should characterize a public servant and diplomat. Her actions have put the dignity of her office into disrepute for which she has no more legitimacy to hold. In light of the foregoing, EFSCRJ hereby calls for accountability:
We urge: 1. Pres. Adama Barrow to immediately remove Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay as the Gambia’s ambassador for her gross misconduct.2.
The National Assembly to summon the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mamadou Tangara to review the state of professional and ethical standards and accountability in the foreign service given the incidence of perennial scandals in the foreign service.3.
APRC to dissociate from and impose disciplinary measures on Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay for her incendiary remarks.4.
Inter-Party Committee to condemn these uncouth remarks and ensure disciplinary actions are taken on Fatoumata Jahumpa Ceesay as a top political leader.5. All political parties to condemn these incendiary remarks and urge the relevant stakeholders to take necessary action against indecent politics.
Political leaders have the greatest responsibility to practice and promote peaceful and decent politics due to their position hence the duty to ensure the unity and harmony of the Gambian society.
Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay’s malicious remarks do not only insult UDP members, rather she has insulted all Gambians given the interconnectedness we share in this country.
Therefore, we hold that Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay does not deserve the leadership and representation of the Gambian people in any capacity because of the unprovoked and unwarranted disrespect and violence she has meted out to our citizens. We call for her immediate removal. 2025 – The Year of Transparency and Accountability
