President Adama Barrow has fired back at his former political mentor and United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Ousainou Darboe over remarks suggesting he could take the “back way” if Barrow wins the 2026 presidential election.
Speaking to members of the Jola Women Association at State House in Banjul on Tuesday evening, President Barrow responded with a pointed offer, saying Darboe would have no need to risk the dangers of irregular migration because he could arrange his departure through official channels.
“I will get him a business class ticket, get him a visa, get him a ticket and even a diplomatic passport to go,” Barrow told the gathering.
The President was referring to Darboe’s reported comments about resorting to the “back way”, a term commonly used in The Gambia to describe irregular migration to Europe.
Barrow said he would not want his former political ally to endure the difficulties associated with such a journey.
“I would not want him to go through the difficulties associated with the back way,” he said.
The exchange highlights the increasingly sharp political rivalry between Barrow and Darboe as the country moves closer to the December 2026 presidential election.
Darboe, who previously served as Barrow’s political mentor and played a key role in the political transition that brought Barrow to power in 2017, has since emerged as one of his strongest political challengers.
Their political relationship has undergone a dramatic transformation, with the two now occupying opposing camps ahead of the 2026 contest.
