Hon Mballow Tables Matter of the Day on Hate Speech and Harassment

Hon Gibbi Mballow (c) Askanwi

This is a matter of the day tabled by Hon Gibbi Mballow of Lower Fulladu West on Tuesday 10th September 2024 addressing the threat of hate speech and harassment in The Gambia. Below is the entire speech reproduced.

MATTER OF THE DAY

ADDRESSING THE THREAT OF HATE SPEECH AND HARASSMENT IN OUR SOCIETY

Honourable Speaker and distinguished colleagues,

I rise today to address a pressing issue that poses a significant threat to the fabric of our society: the rising tide of hate speech and its far-reaching consequences. This phenomenon not only endangers the integrity of our democratic processes but also undermines the core values of our community—values such as respect, tolerance, and unity.

Hate speech is a dangerous precursor to societal discord and violence. It undermines the principles of inclusion, diversity, and peaceful coexistence that are essential for a cohesive and harmonious society. Its impact is profound, as it erodes social cohesion and obstructs not only sustainable development but also the fulfillment of fundamental human rights. By fostering division, hate speech chips away at the foundation upon which our communities are built.

History teaches us the devastating consequences of unchecked hate speech. Over the past century, we have witnessed how it escalates into the most heinous crimes known to humanity. In the last 75 years alone, hate speech has often been the precursor to atrocity crimes, including genocide. What starts as mere words can morph into actions of unimaginable brutality, as seen in the Rwandan Genocide of 1994, the Bosnian War of the 1990s, and the Cambodian Genocide under the Khmer Rouge. These tragic events serve as stark reminders of how incitement and the normalization of hate speech can lead to widespread violence and the breakdown of entire societies.

In The Gambia, the disturbing signs of this dangerous trend are already visible. Recently, I, along with my family, have become victims of this ugly menace, facing severe harassment and threats by not just the rank-and-file but respectable religious leaders and very prominent members of our society. Why? Is it because of our political differences or because of our tribal and religious differences? Many of my colleagues in this chamber, if they opened up, would share similar stories of harassment, curses, and insults directed at them, solely because of the decisions they take in this honourable house.

These experiences are more than just personal grievances—they are indicative of a growing problem that compromises the safety of public officials and undermines our ability to serve our people effectively. When hate speech and intimidation become common, the very fabric of our democratic system is weakened. Public officials cannot carry out their duties with integrity and independence if they are constantly under threat. When people are harassed or intimidated for their decisions, particularly those in authority, it is not only them who suffer but the Gambian people in general.

Moreover, the wider impact on Gambian society is alarming. Hate speech fosters an environment of fear, distrust, and division. It is not just an online phenomenon. Today, the social media landscape is inundated with insults, harassment, and threats aimed not only at public officials but also at private individuals, civil society, and institutions. This divisive rhetoric often spills over into real-world violence, affecting the peace and stability of our communities.

If we allow this dangerous trend to persist, the consequences could be dire. The integrity of our democracy depends on our ability to express diverse views, debate freely, and make decisions without fear for our safety or the safety of our families. Intimidation, harassment, and threats have no place in a democratic society. If we allow them to become normalized, we risk eroding the principles of democracy, justice, and the rule of law that we are all sworn to uphold.

Honourable Speaker and colleagues,

I wish to seize this opportunity to urge this honourable house, together with the media, civil society organisations, religious leaders and the general public at large, to take a firm position on this. If we are to successfully combat hate speech, all hands must have to be on deck.

Therefore, parliament should take proactive steps in strengthening our legal frameworks and ensure that laws that define hate speech and its consequences are fully implemented or reinforced. The Cybercrime Bill 2024 currently under consideration with the relevant committee should be carefully scrutinized and adapted to meet these needs before being passed. Public awareness campaigns across the country are necessary to educate citizens on the dangers of hate speech and how it threatens peace and stability.

Moreover, media literacy programs should be introduced in schools and communities to help Gambians identify and counter hate speech and misinformation on social media. Religious and community leaders, who have played a key role in promoting peace, should actively denounce hate speech and encourage dialogue and tolerance in their communities. Support networks should be established by civil society to offer legal and emotional assistance to victims of hate speech. Finally, civil society organizations and the media need to be empowered to monitor and report hate speech, fostering a culture of accountability.

Thank you.

Hon. Gibbi Mballow

NAM, Lower Fulladou West