The United Democratic Party (UDP) has issued a strongly worded statement, condemning what it calls, President Adama Barrow’s “latest attempt to sow division among Gambians by exploiting tribal sentiments” to make political inroads.
The UDP accused Mr. Barrow of capitalizing on his meeting with the “so-called Mandinka Society” at the State House to whip up tribal sentiments to enhance his political growth and that of the NPP.
Below is the full text of the statement issued by the party’s media arm:
This is not governance; it is a desperate and dangerous ploy to fragment our nation for political gain.
President Barrow’s repeated use of ethnic divisions as a political weapon is a disgrace to the office he holds. By singling out communities, first through his inflammatory remarks against the Mandinka of LRR and now by convening exclusionary tribal meetings—he mirrors tactics and a playbook that Gambians are familiar with. The Gambian people will always reject divisive rhetoric. Tribal bigotry has no place in The Gambia.
The UDP stands firm in its belief that our diversity is our strength. Gambians are not fools; we see through this cynical strategy of pitting brothers against brothers while the government fails to deliver basic services. Barrow’s administration has little to show for its seven years in power—rising debt, unchecked corruption, high cost of living, ever rising rent, and a stalled constitutional reform process . Instead of addressing these failures, he resorts to tribal scapegoating.
Equally alarming is Barrow’s renewed attack on freedom of expression. His castigation of radio stations for criticizing his government is a blatant attempt to silence dissent. This is the same president who, in 2023, oversaw the arbitrary arrests of journalists and activists like Madi Jobarteh and Bakary Mankajang, a chilling echo of past dictatorship .
Barrow’s hypocrisy is staggering. He shamelessly accused critics of being exiles who returned and engaged in criticising him, forgetting that he himself fled to Senegal in 2016 and was sworn in at the Gambian Embassy in Dakar after Jammeh refused to concede . Does he now believe that only his voice matters? That Gambians must endure his failures without questions.
The UDP also notes with concern Barrow’s creation of a rival Islamic organization, Gambia Muslim Elders that basically challenges and undermines the Supreme Islamic Council and the Banjul Muslim Elders — a transparent effort to manipulate religious institutions for political control. Now, by hosting tribal-centric meetings, he is laying the groundwork for further fragmentation. What next? A Fula Elders Association or Wollof Council to deepen divisions? This is not leadership; it is a recipe for chaos.
The UDP urges all Gambians to reject Barrow’s KERENG KAFFO toxic politics. We remind him that the presidency is not a tribal chieftaincy but a sacred trust to serve all citizens, irrespective of ethnicity or political allegiance. Taxpayers fund his government, not his personal coffers, and they deserve accountability, not bigotry.
We demand:
1.An immediate end to tribal divisiveness– The presidency must unify, not divide.
2. Respect for press freedom–Stop intimidating journalists and critics.
3. A return to the 2020 draft constitution– Drop the self-serving 2024 version that weakens term limits and anti-corruption measures .
4. Full implementation of the TRRC recommendations– Justice for victims, not alliances with their oppressors. The Gambia deserves better than a leader who trades in fear and division. The UDP will continue to fight for a nation where democracy, justice, and unity prevail, not the petty, tribalist politics of a failing administration. Enough is enough.
Tombong Saidy
*UDP Administrative Secretary for Media & Communication*
