Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BANJUL65
2006-02-07 15:58:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Banjul
Cable title:
THE GAMBIA: REACTION TO CARTOON CONTROVERSY
how-toVZCZCXRO8707 RR RUEHBC RUEHDA RUEHDBU RUEHDE RUEHGI RUEHKUK RUEHLH RUEHMOS RUEHPW DE RUEHJL #0065 0381558 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 071558Z FEB 06 FM AMEMBASSY BANJUL TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6369 INFO RUCNISL/ISLAMIC COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS BANJUL 000065
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KISL SOCI GA
SUBJECT: THE GAMBIA: REACTION TO CARTOON CONTROVERSY
UNCLAS BANJUL 000065
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KISL SOCI GA
SUBJECT: THE GAMBIA: REACTION TO CARTOON CONTROVERSY
1.(U) There has been little public reaction in this
predominantly Muslim country to the publication of cartoons
of the Prophet Mohamed in a Danish newspaper. The controversy
has so far received only bare-bones, factual treatment in the
local media, with coverage drawn from Western wire service
reports.
2. (SBU) We did pick up a report that the issue has surfaced
in the sermons at some local mosques, with Imams registering
concern. Interestingly, we were told that in at least one
sermon the Imam made a point of praising the USG's stance of
registering concern over the portrayal of the Prophet as a
terrorist while also calling on protestors to act peacefully
and urging constructive dialog.
3. (SBU) COMMENT: We will continue to monitor closely the
local reaction to the controversy, which, however, is not
likely, in our view, to gain much traction with the public.
Our sense is that most Gambians, as well as the many resident
expatriate Muslims, share the GOTG leadership's staunch
opposition to anything that smacks of "political Islam." END
COMMENT.
STAFFORD
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV KISL SOCI GA
SUBJECT: THE GAMBIA: REACTION TO CARTOON CONTROVERSY
1.(U) There has been little public reaction in this
predominantly Muslim country to the publication of cartoons
of the Prophet Mohamed in a Danish newspaper. The controversy
has so far received only bare-bones, factual treatment in the
local media, with coverage drawn from Western wire service
reports.
2. (SBU) We did pick up a report that the issue has surfaced
in the sermons at some local mosques, with Imams registering
concern. Interestingly, we were told that in at least one
sermon the Imam made a point of praising the USG's stance of
registering concern over the portrayal of the Prophet as a
terrorist while also calling on protestors to act peacefully
and urging constructive dialog.
3. (SBU) COMMENT: We will continue to monitor closely the
local reaction to the controversy, which, however, is not
likely, in our view, to gain much traction with the public.
Our sense is that most Gambians, as well as the many resident
expatriate Muslims, share the GOTG leadership's staunch
opposition to anything that smacks of "political Islam." END
COMMENT.
STAFFORD