By: Alieu Ceesay
A heavy downpour cut short an opposition United Democratic Party rally in Fajikunda on Wednesday, scattering supporters before several planned speakers, including party leader Ousainou Darboe, could address the crowd.
The gathering was part of the UDP’s effort to mobilize voters ahead of the December presidential election. Organizers described it as the second such event after the party’s earlier “Percentage” rally, and the first political meeting held to welcome lawyer Darboe back from a recent visit to Europe. Only a handful of speakers took the podium before the rain dispersed the audience.
Binta Janneh Jallow, Deputy Lord Mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council, told supporters that the party remained strong in the KM region. She said Darboe would not abandon the campaign until public concerns, including health services and youth employment, were addressed to citizens’ satisfaction. Jallow also urged party members to intensify house-to-house engagement so that voters would turn out for the UDP in the coming election.
Honorable Sulayman Saho called on the crowd to back the party and appealed directly to the incumbent. “I call on President Adama Barrow to step down. Gambian people gave you poor roads, and you steal their money. So the only way to help you is to vote Darboe,” he said.
Speaking for UDP supporters abroad, Mboge Saidykhan, UDP Diaspora Chairman, said Gambians in the diaspora regarded Darboe as the leading candidate who could rescue the country. He linked a recent fundraising drive among overseas supporters to the party’s preparations for the formal campaign period, describing it as an effort to keep Gambians worldwide connected to the organization. “We the Diasporas are to say vote for Mr Darboe to end your years of struggles. We have played our part, so it’s your turn. Go and vote for him,” Saidykhan told the rally.
UDP Fatoumata Sankareh criticized the government over the cost of living and irregular migration. “For ten years now, Adama Barrow has not said anything about the cost of living; I think now is the time for him to step down,” she declared.
The weather prevented other scheduled speakers from addressing the meeting. Party leader Darboe and Rohey Malik Lowe were among those who did not reach the podium. The interruption shortened the rally beyond what organizers had planned. However, party figures present used the time available to press their case on living costs, public services, and the need for a change of leadership before the December polls.
