Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – A defamation lawsuit has been filed by Councillor Fallou Gallas Ceesay, of Banjul, against popular social media activist Hakeem Touray, widely known as “Mandela of Gunjur,” for what the plaintiff calls a “highly damaging” public insult that allegedly caused severe reputational harm.
The case, filed before the High Court, stems from a statement made by Mr. Touray on July 6, 2025, in which he referred to Councillor Ceesay as “a confused retired masquerade with no festival to attend.”
The comment, made in writing on social media, has sparked controversy, with the plaintiff arguing that it was not only insulting but also designed to undermine his credibility and standing in the community.
Councillor Ceesay, represented by Counsel Fatoumatta Sillah and Counsel Mangikey Sanneh, contends that the statement goes beyond political criticism and constitutes outright defamation.
According to court filings, the words “confused retired masquerade with no festival to attend” carried derogatory implications, portraying the councillor as “mentally incompetent, irrelevant, and unfit for public office.”
The plaintiff’s legal team argues that such remarks, directed at an elected official, can erode public trust and inflict lasting damage on one’s personal and professional reputation.
“This is not fair criticism,” the plaintiff’s lawyers stated. “It is a malicious, unfounded personal attack intended solely to ridicule and belittle Councillor Ceesay, who is widely respected in Banjul.”
The lawsuit highlights The Gambia’s laws on defamation, specifically citing Section 178 of the Criminal Code, which criminalizes defamatory publications intended to harm another person’s reputation. It also refers to Article 19(3) of the 1997 Constitution, which makes clear that freedom of expression does not permit slander or libel.
Councillor Ceesay, described in court documents as a “Man of Substance,” argues that his ability to serve effectively as a community leader has been significantly undermined by Mr. Touray’s statement. He claims that the insult has led to widespread mockery, threatened his community leadership role, and caused emotional distress.
Several remedies are sought in the complaint, including D3,000,000 (three million dalasis) in damages for emotional anguish, aggravated damages for the malicious nature of the post, and general defamation.
The complaint also calls for a public apology and retraction that will be broadcast on important media platforms like Kexx Sanneh’s or published in a reputable publication like The Alkamba Times.
Along with the reimbursement of all lawsuit expenses, the claim also requests a permanent injunction that would prevent Mr. Touray from publishing or uttering any more defamatory remarks about the councillor.
