By Sulayman Waan
Assan Sallah, a Gambian security affairs journalist based in Germany has caution The Gambia Government’s position against the French President Emmanuel Macron’s caricature of Prophet Muhammad Rasulullah (SAW).
The French President made an anti-Islam remark after a teacher was decapitated by an attacker who has been shot dead by policemen.
“Islam is a religion which is experiencing a crisis today, all over the world,” President Macron said in his speech (in French).
This remark cited tensions between fundamentalism, proper religious projects, and politicians around the work.
However, Mr Sallah asked: “what is The Gambia Government’s position against the French President Emmanuel Macron’s caricature of our Prophet Muhammad Rasulullah (SAW.”
He said despite the Gambia is a secular state, the fact remains that it (the country) comprised 95% of the Muslim population. Adding that The Gambia is a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
“We are about to host the OIC Summit in 2022, therefore, our country should not be mute on Macron’s comments,” he said in a statement on his Facebook timeline.
“We expect a statement from The Gambia Government condemning Macron’s caricature of our Prophet. The Religious Affairs Advisor to the President, Alhagie Dembo Bojang (Dembo By Force) and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Momodou Tangara, should advise the president on the steps to take as a Government,” the former deputy editor-in-chief of the closed Daily Observe posted.
He said Macron’s caricature of Prophet Muhammed (SAW) is beyond the limits of freedom of expression. He said freedom goes with responsibility.
The security affairs journalist stated“Where your freedom ends, is where another man’s freedom begins.”
The origins of the annoyance in parts of the Muslim world over the French president’s stance towards Islam spring from a speech he gave earlier this month, before the beheading of teacher Samuel Paty.
Emmanuel Macron’s remarks have drawn fire from many Muslim leaders around the globe. Turkey’s President Erdogan, along with calls for a boycott of French products, as well as protests across the Muslim world from Pakistan to Syria, Bangladesh to Gaza.
Many Gambian Muslims over the past days have been protesting on social media over President Macron’s statement. Many Gambian particularly the youth has used Facebook on calling all and sundry to respect Prophet Muhammed.
Islam is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion teaching that Muhammad is a messenger of God. It is the world’s second-largest religion with 1.8 billion followers or 24.1% of the world’s population, known as Muslims. Muslims make up a majority of the population in 49 countries.
Muslims make up a majority of the population in 49 countries. Islam teaches that God is merciful, all-powerful, and unique and has guided mankind through the prophet, revealed scriptures, and natural signs. The primary scripture of Islam is the Quran.
