The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council, the umbrella body of all Islamic institutions in the Gambia, has conveyed a strongly worded statement, requesting all media institutions in The Gambia "to stop all programmes advocating and defending the Shi'ate beliefs.

" The statement, signed by the out-going president of the Council, calls for a halt to any form of publicity, with immediate effect, arguing that it was passing the order in accordance with its mandate as the principal advisor of government on matters of Islam.