By: Fatou Dahaba
In a fiery speech at the inauguration of a community borehole in Madina Talokoto, Momodou Turo Darboe, CEO and Founder of the Vision Development Foundation (VDF), accused the Gambia Radio and Television Service (GRTS) of boycotting his foundation’s events under a directive “from the top.” The allegations, made on Sunday, July 6, 2025, have ignited a public debate about media impartiality, tribalism, and the role of development organizations in The Gambia.
Darboe claimed he had formally requested that GRTS cover the borehole commissioning, a VDF-funded project aimed at providing clean water to the Madina Talokoto community. However, he was informed that a high-level directive prohibited the state broadcaster from covering VDF activities. “For nearly 30 years, wherever I’ve traveled, GRTS has been with me,” Darboe told the gathering. “But government officers went to GRTS and told them not to follow me to Talokoto. That’s why you don’t see them here. I don’t know what’s happening, but all we preach is one Gambia, one people.”
Expressing deep disappointment, Darboe highlighted the VDF’s long-standing support for GRTS, emphasizing the foundation’s role in transforming the broadcaster into a modern institution. He revealed that the VDF invested millions of dalasis in GRTS’s infrastructure, including furnishing the station on multiple occasions and providing state-of-the-art equipment. “We’ve supported GRTS not for personal gain but to strengthen a vital national institution,” he said.
The CEO’s remarks took a broader turn as he addressed what he described as growing tribalism in The Gambia, which he believes is damaging the nation. “Tribal politics must stop. We are all equal in this country. Tribalism was never known here, so why now?” Darboe questioned. He praised President Adama Barrow as a “good person, calm and respectful,” but warned that the president is surrounded by the “Three S” in his inner circle, individuals he claimed could lead to Barrow’s downfall if not reined in.
Darboe clarified that he is not affiliated with any political party, emphasizing that the VDF’s vision for The Gambia has remained consistent for 28 years. He pointed out that one of the “Three S” graduated from a school where the VDF equipped the library, provided computers, and drilled a borehole. “If they want to challenge me, it’s a war on me,” Darboe said, adding that politics should be strategic, not divisive. He urged Barrow to caution his associates, warning that their actions could alienate valuable allies. “Despite what they say about Seedy Njie, I’ve never seen him criticize anyone publicly. Du Sano finds ways to unite, even with the opposition,” Darboe noted, calling for unity over partisan conflicts.
The VDF’s contributions to national development were a key focus of Darboe’s speech. He detailed the foundation’s efforts to complement government initiatives through projects like boreholes, women’s gardens, road construction, student sponsorships, and upgrades to schools and public institutions. For 28 years, the VDF has supported communities from Karong to Konia, with Darboe sponsoring over 30 university students and funding various development projects. The Madina Talokoto borehole, he said, is part of the foundation’s mission to address critical needs like access to clean water in rural areas.
Darboe issued a direct challenge to the government, urging it to embrace inclusivity and collaborate with all development partners. “No organization, especially one vital to national development, should be sidelined,” he declared. He pleaded with President Barrow to address his associates and move politics beyond insults and threats, emphasizing that governments come and go, but citizens remain. “Let’s be united and develop our country,” he said.
The inauguration was attended by Basori, Tuba Kuta, and Talokoto communities, who expressed support for the VDF’s efforts and concern over the alleged GRTS blackout. The controversy has sparked discussions about media freedom and the government’s relationship with independent organizations. GRTS and government officials have not responded to Darboe’s allegations, leaving unanswered questions about the directive’s origins.
As the VDF continues its work, Darboe remains defiant. “We will keep serving Gambians, from providing clean water to empowering our youth,” he said. The incident has spotlighted the need for transparency, unity, and collaboration in The Gambia’s development journey, with Darboe’s call for inclusivity resonating as a rallying cry for change.
