Story by: Alieu Ceesay and Photography by: Momodou Gagigo
Thousands of jubilant United Democratic Party (UDP) supporters thronged the streets of Banjul on Saturday, transforming the route from Banjul International Airport to Pipeline into a sea of yellow flags and banners. The vibrant procession, filled with songs and dances, marked the triumphant return of UDP leader Lawyer Ousainou Darboe from a high-profile European tour aimed at galvanizing support for the upcoming 2026 presidential elections. The massive turnout underscored Darboe’s enduring popularity and the UDP’s growing momentum in Gambia’s charged political landscape.
Darboe, the UDP’s flagbearer, was greeted with thunderous applause as he stepped off the plane, accompanied by party executives, regional chairmen, and National Assembly members. Supporters, donning the party’s signature yellow, lined the streets, chanting slogans and waving banners that read “No More Third Term” in a pointed jab at incumbent President Adama Barrow, who has been in power since 2016 and is seeking a third term in 2026. The electrifying atmosphere signaled the UDP’s determination to challenge Barrow’s administration, which Darboe described as a “failed, corrupt government.”
Speaking at his Pipeline residence shortly after his arrival, Darboe briefed supporters on his European tour, which included visits to the United States, Finland, Spain, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom. He emphasized the enthusiasm of Gambians in the diaspora, stating, “I met with Gambians who are passionate about their country, prepared to do anything legally for change. They feel more pain than we do here.” Darboe highlighted that his engagements had strengthened diplomatic and economic ties, with diaspora communities pledging to work with the UDP to realize the change Gambians crave. “They promised to collaborate with the United Democratic Party so the change everyone is hungry for can be achieved in the next thirteen months,” he added.
Darboe used the platform to outline his vision for a prosperous Gambia, promising a disciplined and corruption-free government if elected in 2026. “My promise to you is that an Ousainou Darboe-led government will attend to your needs. We are not just making promises,” he declared to a roaring crowd. He criticized the Barrow administration for its failures, pledging to improve the lives and livelihoods of Gambians through accountable governance.
The rally also served as a platform to address internal party dynamics. Darboe congratulated newly elected party executives, acknowledging the recent mass resignations following the departure of Mayor Bensouda. Despite these challenges, the overwhelming support at the rally demonstrated the UDP’s resilience and unity as it gears up for the electoral battle ahead.
Supporters like Lamin Barrow, a youth who joined the procession from the airport to Pipeline, expressed skepticism about President Barrow’s democratic credentials. “If Barrow says he is democratic, why is he contesting for a third term? He should remove the ‘democracy’ name from himself. But we will vote him out in the coming election,” Lamin declared, echoing the sentiments of many in the crowd.
As Gambia approaches the 2026 presidential elections, Darboe’s return has injected fresh energy into the UDP’s campaign. His call for Gambians to rally behind the party resonated deeply with supporters, who see him as a beacon of hope for a better future. “This country deserves better,” Darboe urged, rallying the crowd to back the UDP in the upcoming polls.
The vibrant welcome and Darboe’s impassioned address signal a pivotal moment in Gambia’s political cycle. With the UDP gaining momentum and the opposition leader’s international outreach bearing fruit, the stage is set for a fiercely contested election. As Darboe concluded, “The change Gambians are hungry for is within reach, and together, we will make it happen.”
