Gambians call on Baba Leigh, Imam of the Kanifing Estate Mosque, to resign from the National Human Rights commission.  Among them is the former Secretary General and head of civil service, Momodou Sabally.

“I have a lot of respect for Imam Baba Leigh. If I were him, I would resign because my position as an imam serving a commission that actually believes in gay rights and promotes the rights of gays is untenable.

Given the fact that he heads Muslims of a very important community and given his lineage – his family that is known as devout Muslims – he should resign otherwise he will be giving cover and apparently legitimacy to a despicable cause that is seen as abominable by Muslims, Christians and even the non-believers.” Mr. Sabally said.

This wrangle started when NHRC in their annual 2020 report,  recommended  the government to protect the rights of gays in The Gambia. This of course did not resonate well with Gambians as they believe it is blasphemous and not in accordance with their religious beliefs.

After the submission of the report, hordes of Gambians took to social media to decry the NHRC recommendation and called on Imam Bah Leigh to resign immediately describing the recommendation as unholy and uncultured.

“These people are crazy. Let them allow polygamous marriage. Don’t a man have the right to love more than a woman?

First of all, we should blame the president for allowing the startup conversation. He shouldn’t allow any form of discussion based on the legalisation of such.” One Gibril Njie commented on Facebook.

One Ebrima Saidyba also commented on Facebook saying, “Very unfortunate to have an Imam in the midst of these western minded folks. I believe his congregation will never forgive him if he remains a member in such an evil institution.“

Efforts to contact Imam Leigh proved futile as he did not wish to comment on this issue saying “I am a commissioner. We have a spokesperson who is the chairman. Anything which needs commenting please contact him.

By: Fatoumatta Samateh

For Kairaba News Network