The United Democratic Party (UDP) has issued a scathing condemnation of President Adama Barrow, accusing him of exploiting tribal divisions and stifling free speech in a desperate bid to cling to power. In a strongly worded press statement, the opposition party denounced Barrow’s recent meeting with the so-called Mandinka Society at State House as a calculated move to fragment Gambians along ethnic lines.
The UDP described Barrow’s tactics as a “dangerous ploy” that undermines national unity, likening his rhetoric to the divisive strategies of past regimes. “By singling out communities, first through inflammatory remarks against the Mandinka of LRR and now by convening exclusionary tribal meetings, he mirrors tactics Gambians are familiar with,” said Tombong Saidy, UDP’s Administrative Secretary for Media and Communication. The party emphasized that Gambia’s diversity is its strength, not a tool for political manipulation.
Now in its seventh year, Barrow’s administration faces mounting criticism for failing to address pressing issues like rising debt, unchecked corruption, soaring living costs, and a stalled constitutional reform process. The UDP accused the president of resorting to tribal scapegoating to deflect from these shortcomings. “Gambians are not fools; we see through this cynical strategy of pitting brothers against brothers,” Saidy added.
Equally troubling, the UDP highlighted Barrow’s attacks on freedom of expression, particularly his criticism of radio stations for airing government critiques. The party pointed to the 2023 arrests of journalists and activists, including Madi Jobarteh and Bakary Mankajang, as evidence of a growing authoritarian streak reminiscent of former dictator Yahya Jammeh’s era. The UDP also called out Barrow’s hypocrisy, noting that he sought refuge in Senegal in 2016 and was sworn in at the Gambian Embassy in Dakar after Jammeh refused to concede defeat.
The opposition further criticized Barrow for creating a rival Islamic organization, the Gambia Muslim Elders, which they claim undermines the Supreme Islamic Council and Banjul Muslim Elders for political gain. The UDP warned that Barrow’s tribal-centric meetings could pave the way for further division, questioning whether he might next establish groups like a “Fula Elders Association” or “Wollof Council” to deepen societal rifts.
In its demands, the UDP called for an immediate end to tribal divisiveness, respect for press freedom, a return to the 2020 draft constitution, and full implementation of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) recommendations. The party rejected the 2024 constitutional draft, accusing it of weakening term limits and anti-corruption measures to serve Barrow’s interests.
“The Gambia deserves better than a leader who trades in fear and division,” Saidy declared, urging citizens to reject Barrow’s “toxic politics.” The UDP vowed to continue its fight for a unified, democratic Gambia where justice and accountability prevail.
As tensions rise ahead of future elections, Barrow’s administration faces growing pressure to address these allegations and deliver on reform promises. The opposition is signaling it will not back down in its push for change.
