Gambia’s Information Minister, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, has stirred political debate after declaring that “there are no opposition parties” in the country. His comments, made during a political rally in Sukuta on Saturday, have sparked discussions about the state of multiparty politics and the strength of the opposition.
Dr. Ceesay took direct aim at several political figures and parties, questioning their credibility and capacity to challenge President Adama Barrow’s government.
Addressing supporters, the Minister singled out the United Democratic Party (UDP), claiming that many Gambians are now calling on its leader to step down due to age and waning leadership ability. “People are asking him to retire,” Dr. Ceesay said, arguing that the party has lost direction and momentum.
He also turned his criticism toward the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), accusing its leader, Mamma Kandeh, of poor internal management. “If he cannot control his own party, how can he manage a country?” the Minister asked. He further alleged that Essa Faal, another prominent opposition figure, has been “deceptive” in his political dealings.
Dr. Ceesay did not spare the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), questioning its viability ahead of future elections. “How can anyone vote for a party without a leader?” he asked, implying that PDOIS lacks a clear direction following years of declining electoral influence.
The Minister also used the rally to criticize local government officials, particularly Kanifing Municipality Mayor Talib Bensouda, questioning his support for market women and the broader community. He took personal jabs at other opposition figures, including Kemo Bojang, MC Cham, and Ebrima Dibba, questioning their qualifications and contributions to national development.
Despite the sharp tone of his remarks, Dr. Ceesay concluded on a note of support for President Barrow, praising his development efforts and asserting that the people of the West Coast Region want his leadership to continue.
“The people have seen the progress under President Barrow,” he said. “They want him to stay and complete the work he has started.”
Dr. Ceesay’s statements have quickly become a talking point among political observers, with some viewing them as an attempt to rally support for the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), while others see them as a sign of growing tension ahead of the next electoral cycle.
