In a powerful address at the United Democratic Party (UDP) Diaspora Convention in Seattle, Ousainu Darboe, Secretary General and Party Leader, delivered a clarion call for unity, integrity, and systemic change in The Gambia as the nation approaches the critical 2026 elections. Speaking to a vibrant gathering of UDP supporters, diaspora members, and party delegates from The Gambia, Europe, and across the United States, Darboe underscored the party’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption, fostering democracy, and prioritizing a “Gambia First” agenda.
The convention, a testament to months of meticulous planning by the Seattle Chapter and the UDP Diaspora leadership, brought together key figures, including Alhagi S. Darboe, Minority Leader in the National Assembly, Mayor Talib Bensouda of Kanifing Municipal Council, and Alhagie Momodou Sanneh, a founding member and former Deputy Speaker. The event highlighted the strength and unity of the UDP’s global network, with Darboe praising the diaspora’s role as “nation builders” whose contributions extend far beyond remittances.
A Nation in Crisis
Darboe’s speech centered on the dire challenges facing The Gambia under President Adama Barrow’s National People’s Party (NPP) and its alliance with the APRC. He described a country gripped by “systemic governance failure,” with endemic corruption and impunity stifling progress. “Every dalasi stolen is a hospital bed not bought, a teacher or police officer not paid adequately, a road not built,” Darboe declared, painting a stark picture of a nation where basic needs remain unmet despite billions spent annually. He cited food insecurity, struggling businesses, and unfulfilled dreams for children and persons with disabilities as direct consequences of this mismanagement.
“Corruption has become the system, and impunity its partner,” he stated, emphasizing that a nation overwhelmed by such failures cannot provide for its 2.5 million citizens. Darboe positioned the UDP as the antidote, promising a governance model rooted in honesty and integrity—values he described as “necessary tools” for people-centered leadership. Quoting Yankuba Darboe, Chairman of Basse Area Council, he encapsulated the party’s ethos: “Don’t Lie, Don’t Steal, JobRek.”
Unity as Strength
A recurring theme in Darboe’s address was the importance of unity within the UDP. Acknowledging the party’s robust internal debates, he stressed that disagreements are a hallmark of the democratic values the UDP cherishes. “Our loyalty is to the struggle for a better Gambia, not to factions or personalities,” he said, urging members to resist attempts by opponents to sow division. He called for respect toward all opposition parties, emphasizing collaboration with those working to oust the Barrow administration. “Anyone working to remove the Barrow government shares in the noble goal of giving Gambians a better future,” he noted.
Darboe’s message resonated with the diverse audience, which included representatives from UDP chapters across the U.S. and Europe, as well as a high-level delegation from The Gambia. The presence of figures like Foday Danjo, former Chairman of Basse Area Council, and Lamin J. Sanneh of the national fundraising committee underscored the party’s deep roots and broad support base.
The Gambia First Agenda
Looking ahead to 2026, Darboe outlined the UDP’s “Gambia First Agenda,” a blueprint for national renewal. Key priorities include slashing wasteful spending—starting with the Office of the President—and redirecting funds to healthcare, education, agriculture, energy, and rural development. He pledged to establish an independent anti-corruption commission with a zero-tolerance approach to the misuse of national resources. “Honesty and integrity are not campaign buzzwords. They are the foundation of people-centered governance,” he asserted.
Darboe framed the upcoming elections as both a challenge and an opportunity. He accused the incumbent government of clinging to power through corruption and ineffectiveness, urging UDP members to focus on exposing these failures. “Our task is to show every voter that the UDP has the plan, the leadership, and the integrity to deliver real change,” he said, promising a “real SYSTEM CHANGE” under UDP leadership.
A Call to the Diaspora
Darboe reserved special praise for the diaspora, recognizing their critical role in The Gambia’s economy and development. “You are not just senders of remittances. You are nation builders,” he declared, calling on diaspora members to leverage their voices, skills, and networks to advance the Gambia First vision. He urged them to mobilize families, engage communities, and secure votes until they are cast and counted. “The Gambia will be in dire straits without your constant support,” he acknowledged, emphasizing the diaspora’s influence in shaping the nation’s future.
A Resilient Legacy
Reflecting on the UDP’s journey since its founding in 1996, Darboe paid tribute to the sacrifices made by party members in the face of persecution. “This journey has been hard, costly in life, blood, and treasure,” he said, crediting the party’s resilience to its moral conviction, unity, and loyalty to a free and democratic Gambia. He expressed confidence that the UDP remains “on course and in safe hands” as it pursues its founding principles.
The convention concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, as Darboe rallied attendees to work with focus, lead with integrity, and serve with humility. “The road will not be easy, but together we can, and we will, build the Gambia we deserve,” he declared, closing with a blessing for the audience and the nation.
