Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL) – The Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBoS) has responded to concerns raised by some members of the Fula community regarding the classification of Fulbe people in the 2024 census questionnaire. The issue arose when reports surfaced that the census questionnaire had classified Fulbe into distinct groups, sparking condemnation and demands for rectification from figures such as Mamma Kandeh.

In a statement issued yesterday, GBoS clarified that the census questionnaire does not classify Fulbe into distinct groups. The questionnaire groups Fulbe, Tukulor, and Lorobo under one code, reflecting the understanding that these groups belong to the same ethnicity. Similar groupings were also done for other ethnicities like Mandinka/Jahanka and Jola/Koroninka.

GBoS explained that this grouping is for the convenience of fieldworkers and is not mentioned to the respondents. The bureau noted that respondents might identify themselves with a specific subgroup, such as Tukulor, without mentioning Fula, which is why the grouping was done.

Furthermore, GBoS emphasized that the ethnicity question has been asked the same way since 1973. The bureau clarified that the form being referred to in the reports is the recruitment form and not the census questionnaire. GBoS assured the public that it is committed to treating all citizens equally and fairly, and it called for the cooperation of the general public in the successful implementation of the census.

The clarification comes after Fulbe Africa reportedly visited GBoS offices to lodge a formal complaint regarding the classification. GBoS reiterated its commitment to maintaining transparency and urged the public to support its efforts in conducting a successful census.