The rising religious tension and intolerance within the country that has been making news headlines over the past few weeks need to be a concern to the Government.
It is a known fact that The Gambia is a peaceful country. The country has three religions that are publicly acceptable with numerous smaller groups that are known only upon close contact with their adherents.
Also, The Gambia is one of the most religiously tolerant countries in the world. For the most part, Gambians are interrelated regardless of their religious background.
Last week the National Human Rights Commission observed that the tense religious exchanges on social media, threats against individuals, intra-faith divisions, and the attacks on two Churches in Tallingding and Bakau are stark reminders that we can no longer take our religious tolerance for granted.
The Constitution provides for the freedom of religious choice, as long as it does not impinge on the rights of others or the national interest. The constitution prohibits religious discrimination, the establishment of a state religion, and the formation of political parties based on religious affiliation.
Within the past few years, the religious landscape of the country has changed dramatically. Since or before independence, both Muslims and Christians were has lived together in peace
The growing religious intolerance, discrimination, social hostility, and incitement to violence based on religion or belief is worrying.
In its recent release, the Rights Commission urges the Government to take immediate steps towards diffusing the spread of intolerance and to guarantee the protection of the rights of all faiths. We must all promote peaceful and sustainable co-existence among all people.
Articles 17, 25, 32, 33, and 212 of the Constitution guarantee and protects the freedom of religion.
Article 60 of the constitution prohibits forming political parties that are formed on a religious basis.
Government meetings and events typically commence with two prayers, one Islamic and one Christian. The government often invites senior officials of both religious groups to open major government events with prayers. The president, a Muslim, delivers a Christmas message to the nation each year and also delivers messages for major Muslim feasts.
The government does not require religious groups to register. Faith-based nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) must meet the same registration and licensing requirements as other NGOs.
Let’s promote continuous religious tolerance for better coexistence.