The Gambia is mourning the death of veteran politician and former teacher Alhajie Dembo Byforce Bojang, whose passing was confirmed on Thursday night.
Bojang was a towering figure in the country’s political landscape, remembered for his decades of public service and his pivotal role in the events that brought an end to former President Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year rule in 2016.
As a senior member of the opposition Coalition 2016, Bojang was instrumental in mobilising support and forging unity among opposition parties, a campaign that ultimately led to Jammeh’s defeat and peaceful departure from power.
Following the coalition victory, Bojang continued to play an influential role in national politics. He served as a presidential adviser to President Adama Barrow and later became National President of Barrow’s National People’s Party (NPP), after years as a key figure in the United Democratic Party (UDP), where he also held the position of National President.
Before his political prominence, Bojang worked as a teacher and served as a National Assembly Member. His career spanned several political movements, including the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the National Convention Party (NCP). His resilience and consistency in politics earned him the popular moniker “Dembo Byforce.”
Tributes have poured in since news of his death broke, with many describing his passing as the end of an era for Gambian politics.
He is remembered as a dedicated public servant who gave much of his life to shaping the country’s democratic journey.
May Allah forgive him and grant him Jannatul Firdaus.
