United Democratic Party (UDP) leader and Secretary General Lawyer Ousainou ANM Darboe sharply criticized the Adama Barrow administration on Wednesday night for its handling of the high-profile Ousainou Bojang case, describing it as a politically motivated attempt to target opponents through the criminal justice system.
In a address to the nation, streamed live from his residence, Darboe spoke publicly for the first time following the High Court’s acquittal and discharge of Mr. Bojang and his sister, Amie, on March 30, 2026. The court cleared Ousainou Bojang of charges, including two counts of murder of Police Constables Sang J. Gomez and Pateh M. Jallow, acts of terrorism, attempted murder, and grievous bodily harm, while also acquitting Amie Bojang as an accessory after the fact.
“The criminal justice system should not be used to witch-hunt political opponents,” Darboe declared. “This is precisely the plan that the former Deputy Inspector General of Police and the government spokesman and whatever security personnel whose advice they might have relied on—that was their main mission, that was their main plan to paint us as violent people.”
He praised the judiciary’s independence, highlighting the recent acquittal of Abdoulie Sanyang, who was charged and prosecuted for an offense he “never really committed.” Darboe commended “the upright judge, Justice Jaiteh, a very courageous judge,” for treating the evidence fairly and discharging Sanyang.
Darboe recounted how the government had previously attempted to link the UDP to the murder of the two PIU officers at Sukuta-Jabang traffic lights and had accused him personally of complicity. “I personally was accused of being an accomplice in this murder,” he said. While noting he had chosen to remain quiet initially to avoid appearing self-serving, Darboe stressed the importance of truth and justice.
He urged the current administration to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the killings. “It is now the duty of this government, Barrow; it is now your duty to mount proper investigations to find out those who killed these serving officers, those who have put that young lady in a state of trauma,” Darboe said.
Warning that inaction would have consequences, he added: “If you do not carry out proper investigations, I can assure you that the next government will carry out a thorough investigation to unearth the actual murderers of our serving men.”
The UDP leader used the remainder of his address to reflect on broader national challenges, including economic hardships, youth unemployment, and unfulfilled promises by the ruling National People’s Party (NPP). He reiterated his party’s commitment to peace and progress, prudent resource management, and redirecting funds from wasteful spending toward agriculture, infrastructure, and electricity access to achieve food self-sufficiency.
Darboe called for genuine reconciliation and unity across political lines, emphasizing that the 2026 presidential election offers Gambians a chance to reclaim the nation’s democratic promise. He encouraged young people to participate in politics with integrity and praised civil society and the legal profession for safeguarding democratic values.
Supporters praised the speech as wise and timely, especially in light of recent events surrounding the Bojang case, including a brief rearrest after the acquittal that sparked public reactions. Analysts see the address as both a direct response to perceived political persecution and a positioning of the UDP — with Darboe as its flagbearer — as a credible alternative ahead of the 2026 polls.
