By Ebrima Mbaye
The leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), H.E. Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, has challenged President Adama Barrow to convene an urgent national conference to address the persistent menace of irregular migration in The Gambia.
Darboe made this statement at a press conference held at the UDP Bureau in Manjai, attended by senior party executives. His remarks come amid reports of a missing migrant boat allegedly carrying over 190 young people, most of whom are believed to be Gambian nationals.
According to the veteran politician, addressing irregular migration requires strong political leadership and a coordinated national response. He emphasized the need for a 24-hour surveillance in the country’s coastal communities, as well as stricter monitoring of vehicles entering and leaving the country, to disrupt human trafficking networks and inhibit prospective migrants from embarking on the perilous journey to Europe.
UDP Party Leader also stressed that decisive and collective action is essential to safeguarding lives, while challenging the Barrow government to address the root causes that are forcing young Gambians to embark on irregular migration.
Speaking on what he described as the “state’s negligence” toward children, Darboe lamented the growing number of neglected or abandoned children living on the streets. He questioned the effectiveness of the Department of Social Welfare and child protection institutions in The Gambia.
“Apart from the backway issue, we have a huge number of children neglected in the streets. I wonder what the Department of Children and Social Welfare is doing. We need to act collectively to protect our children,” he said with concern.
The press conference also highlighted what Darboe described as the “successes” recorded during his recently concluded nationwide tour, citing increased public engagement and growing support for the UDP nationwide.
Darboe further criticized some state ministers for what he termed “partisan and militant-style rhetoric” during President Adama Barrow’s political gatherings, arguing that such behavior is inappropriate for officials expected to serve the state rather than party interests.
On development projects, the UDP leader stated that initiatives such as electricity expansion and other infrastructure projects under President Barrow are not a favor to the people of the Gambia but a constitutional duty that any sitting government must discharge, because leaders are elected to render meaningful services. He therefore called on the President and his government to deliver on all promised development projects, stressing that Gambians deserve accountability and fulfillment of campaign commitments.
The press briefing focused on updating the media on the UDP leader’s recent nationwide tour, delivering the party’s end-of-year message to the nation on the overall state of the country, and renewing its resolve and commitment to salvaging the Gambia from corruption and gross leadership incompetence ahead of the December 2026 polls.
