The internet in The Gambia is experiencing significant backlash following the display of banners promoting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals during the ongoing 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference in Bijilo.
Videos and images of LGBTQ+ banners have emerged on social media, indicating that there is an ongoing dialogue about advocating for same-sex relationships.
The display of these banners marks the first instance in the country’s history that sparked controversy on social media.
Many have voiced their anger regarding the matter, implying that there are plans in motion to legalise LGBTQ+ rights in The Gambia.
On October 13, 2025, What’s On Gambia, a popular online platform, published an article suggesting that The Gambia is hosting its first LGBTQ+ event, along with video evidence of the banners.
The post was titled, “Are you aware, Sir Dawda Jawara Conference Centre Hosts Gambia’s First Public LGBTQ+ event.”
Two of the posts have generated significant controversy among their viewers, primarily Gambians, both at home and abroad.
The internet backlash
Some expressed that such matters cannot be permitted to flourish in the country.
One individual stated, “We need to take our country back from this negligent government that only seeks approval from the West.”
Conversely, Matthias George Jatta shared a different perspective, questioning, “Is hosting their conference illegal?
“Why are we condemning them instead of extending love and even connecting with some of them if we know them? Some engage in it for economic reasons. I met some individuals, and one with whom I shared a room at a conference in the UK changed my perspective on them. Our love for them holds great significance.”
Fatou Baldeh, a notable activist, also remarked, “The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights is a pan-African entity, not a Gambian institution. It unites voices from all over Africa.”
This event is part of the #ACHPR sessions, a continental human rights assembly hosted in The Gambia.
As hosts, The Gambia provides a platform for dialogue; we do not dictate the agenda or the participants.
That embodies human rights: inclusion, dignity, and freedom of expression.”
Some users suggested that such events would only occur in The Gambia, rather than in Senegal, particularly in the absence of former President Yahya Jammeh.
Alieu Badara also commented, “It will not work in The Gambia, even if the government supports them.”
Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly, the opposition leader of the Gambia Action Party, has criticised the initiative and cautioned against advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in the nation.
“We cannot permit this to happen in our country; it contradicts our religion, culture, and human values. We cannot tolerate LGBTQ+,” he responded.
During Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year rule, discussions on advancing LGBTQ+ rights were forbidden.
Anti-LBGTQ+ Law in Gambia
The Gambia has criminalised LGBTQ+ relationships and gender expression.
The 2014 Criminal Code (Amendment) Act established the offence of “aggravated homosexuality,” which carries a life imprisonment penalty.
This charge can be applied to “serial offenders” and individuals living with HIV who are accused of engaging in same-sex sexual activity.
A screenshot of the 2014 Criminal Offences Act.
The law criminalises consensual same-sex activity between both men and women, with penalties that may include imprisonment.
Homosexual acts were already punishable by up to 14 years in prison under a Gambian law amended in 2005 to include women alongside men.
In 2008, former President Yahya Jammeh ordered gay men and lesbians to leave the country or face execution.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh described homosexuality as a “threat to human existence” at a time when offenders in The Gambia could face up to 14 years imprisonment.
He also criminalises the gender expression of transgender males and cross-dressers.
Recently, a few individuals were arrested for alleged homosexual activities and are currently facing criminal charges.
Current laws
The 2025 Criminal Offences Act has also criminalised the practice of homosexuality in The Gambia.
Section 122 of the act outlined different types of offences and their penalties.
Image of the 2025 Criminal Offences Act.
Lawmakers reactions
DUBAWA also contacted some lawmakers to get their reaction on the issue.
Modou Lamin Bah, opposition lawmaker for Banjul North, said he is in full support of the criminalisation of homosexuality in the country.
“I stand by the laws that prohibit homosexuality in the country,” he said.
Gibbie Mballow, the ruling party lawmaker for Lower Fullladu West, also condemned homosexuality in the country, saying it has no place in The Gambia.
“As a devoted Muslim and representative of my people, I remain guided by the principles of Islam and the cherished traditions that shape our national identity.
The Gambia is a country built on strong moral values, cultural pride, and deep respect for our faith. Matters related to LGBTQ+ are a non-starter for me; they are not compatible with our religious beliefs or our cultural foundations,” he responded.
The controversy?
While reports suggested that The Gambia was hosting an LGBTQ+ meeting, our investigation revealed that this is not the case.
The Gambia is hosting the 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights from 21 to 30 October 2025.
This event has been hosted in the Gambia since the commission’s establishment in 1987, bringing together AU member states, civil society advocates, and international organisations.
These gatherings often feature side events on a wide range of human rights topics, including freedom of expression, women’s rights, governance, and access to justice.
The banners displayed during the meeting promoted a side event organised by an international human rights group, not by the Gambian government or the ACHPR itself.
Such events are a regular part of every ACHPR session, allowing different organisations to discuss human rights themes of concern.
Conclusion
The act of homosexuality remained illegal in The Gambia, and offenders could face up to life imprisonment if they were found guilty of the act anywhere within the country.