By Ousman Saidykhan
The leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Ousainu Darboe, has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to arrest Baboucarr Bahoum, a staunch supporter of President Barrow, over a controversial Facebook comment branding the people of Kiang as “ungrateful.” The statement, made in the wake of the Kiang Masembeh ward by-election where UDP’s candidate defeated Barrow’s National People’s Party (NPP) contender, has ignited a firestorm of criticism across The Gambia, with many demanding Bahoum’s arrest.
Speaking at a press conference held at the UDP bureau in Manjai on Tuesday, Darboe labeled Bahoum’s remark as “outrageous” and “seditious,” arguing that it could incite disaffection and discontent among Gambians, particularly the Kiang community. “What Mr. Bahoum did was unacceptable. You do not insult a whole community,” Darboe declared, dismissing the IGP’s acceptance of Bahoum’s apology as insufficient. “Inspector General of Police is saying he is satisfied with his apology. That is not what should be the position of the Inspector General of Police.”
Darboe insisted that Bahoum’s apology does not absolve him of accountability. “Inspector General of Police, I ask you to arrest Mr. Bahoum, subject him to proper interrogation… and see whether that statement is not likely to cause disaffection and discontent among the people of Kiang. It is seditious,” he stressed, urging the IGP to act impartially. He further warned of potential unrest, questioning how the IGP would respond if Kiang residents retaliated physically against Bahoum. “Are you going to charge them for assault when he has already insulted my grandmother, my grandfather, my father, my uncle?”
The UDP leader argued that the IGP has no authority to accept Bahoum’s apology on behalf of the offended Kiang people, who rejected Barrow’s candidate at the polls. Describing Bahoum’s comment as a “very seditious statement” with the potential to spark violence, Darboe called for a thorough investigation, with findings to be forwarded to the Attorney General. “Your duty now is to put in motion a proper investigation… and we will be watching,” he said, emphasizing the need for even-handedness in law enforcement.
Darboe also raised concerns about the treatment of ASP Binta Njie, the former Police Public Relations Officer, who faced backlash after reacting to Bahoum’s statement. Njie, a Kiang native, has reportedly been transferred to a provincial post, a move Darboe condemned as punitive.
While acknowledging that police officers can be reassigned, he argued that Njie’s transfer was retaliation “for standing up with her community” rather than a routine administrative decision. “That is a misuse of power… She doesn’t deserve to be punished. The person who should be punished is Bahoum,” Darboe asserted, urging the IGP to reconsider Njie’s posting.
The police have stated that Njie’s case will be handled “administratively in accordance with established disciplinary procedures.” However, Darboe defended her right to speak out, noting, “As a Kianka, she has the right to say, ‘We do not condone this type of statement,’ because it can cause civil strife in that community.”
The controversy has heightened tensions in The Gambia, with the UDP leader’s demands placing pressure on the IGP to act decisively. As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on how authorities will address the escalating fallout from Bahoum’s remarks.
