By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
The United Democratic Party (UDP) in the North Bank Region has issued a scathing condemnation of Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Seedy S.K. Njie, over remarks in which he allegedly boasted about blocking government appointments and promotions for members of the Mandinka ethnic group.
Karamo Njie, Public Relations Officer of the UDP North Bank Region, described the Deputy Speaker’s statements — which surfaced in a widely circulated audio recording — as “disappointing, reckless, and not surprising.” He said the comments expose deep-seated hatred within President Adama Barrow’s administration and confirm what many see as a deliberate policy targeting the country’s largest ethnic group.
In the viral audio, Seedy Njie reportedly highlighted his role in preventing the appointment of several Mandinkas, including Abubacarr Darboe, whose nomination as Director General of the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) was later rescinded, and Ousman Ceesay, who was denied the position of Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Vice President. He is also said to have claimed involvement in delaying or blocking promotions and employment for many others from the Mandinka community.
Karamo Njie said that these actions represent “the height of the desperation of the dying regime of President Adama Barrow.” He argued that denying Mandinkas opportunities in government is part of a broader strategy to pressure the ethnic group into supporting a regime that has failed to improve living conditions for ordinary Gambians.
“The statements uttered by Seedy Njie are a clear indication of the level of hatred among close President Barrow supporters as well as a reflection of Government policy against Mandinka,” Karamo Njie said. “It will be a great surprise to see President Barrow come out and distance himself from such tribal bigotry because the President himself is the one spearheading the tribal bigotry against the Mandinka ethnic group.”
The UDP PRO further noted that President Barrow has repeatedly tolerated similar inflammatory remarks from members of his inner circle. He cited past statements made at rallies by figures including the late Dembo Bojang (alias Dembo Byforce), first National President of the National People’s Party, nominated National Assembly member Fatoumatta Jawara, Presidential Adviser Saihou Mballow, Amat Gitteh, Fatou Jagne, and Baba Jah between 2021 and beyond.
Karamo Njie urged all Gambians to reject what he termed “tribal bigotry” in all its forms and to use the controversy as an opportunity to promote national unity. “I also want to call on all Gambians to take this as an opportunity to promote national unity and as a means to ending a very bad Government that thrives on tribalism,” he said.
He cautioned citizens against politicians like Seedy Njie, whom he accused of being willing to “trade Gambia with crumbs just to feed his purse.” The UDP official placed ultimate responsibility on President Barrow for “recycling such poisonous individuals” into government positions despite their controversial records.
In a final appeal, Karamo Njie called on all eligible Gambians, especially those turning 18, to register and collect their voters’ cards ahead of future elections. He warned that failure to remove Barrow’s government would not only affect Mandinkas but would bring hardship to all ethnic groups in the country.
The audio has sparked widespread debate on social media and across The Gambia, with many citizens expressing concern over rising ethnic tensions in national politics.
