His Excellency Alhaji ANM Ousainu Darboe, Leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and Leader of the Opposition, delivered a Christmas Eve address to the nation, extending warm greetings to Gambians at home and abroad while highlighting deep dissatisfaction with the country’s progress in 2025.
Darboe emphasized The Gambia’s proud tradition of religious diversity and peaceful coexistence, noting that virtually every family includes both Christians and Muslims. He described this tolerance as one of the nation’s greatest strengths and urged citizens to embrace Christmas values of love, compassion, humility, and service to others, particularly the vulnerable.
Reflecting on the year marking The Gambia’s Diamond Jubilee, Darboe expressed disappointment over the lack of progress toward ending autocratic tendencies, establishing a new constitutional order, or advancing good governance. He criticized ongoing stagnation amid global economic uncertainty, climate challenges, and geopolitical instability, pointing to rampant corruption, high cost of living, and poorly performing public institutions as daily realities for most citizens.
Outlining the UDP’s alternative path, Darboe pledged that a UDP government would invest heavily in housing, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and key growth sectors to build a resilient, inclusive, and opportunity-rich Gambia. He stressed responsible and sustainable development, insisting that environmental stewardship must complement national progress.
The opposition leader thanked farmers, fisherfolk, public servants, healthcare workers, educators, police officers, entrepreneurs, and the diaspora for their contributions. He singled out young people as custodians of the future, promising quality education, skills training, entrepreneurship support, and employment opportunities to prevent risky migration via the “Backway.”
Looking to 2026, Darboe expressed optimism, hoping for sub-regional peace in countries such as Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while calling on the government to prioritize productive investments and reforms to improve the quality of life.
Concluding on a unifying note, Darboe urged Gambians to face challenges together with renewed faith, kindness, and commitment to an inclusive nation. On behalf of his family and the UDP, he wished all a holy, peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year, blessed by God.
