On Monday, President Adama Barrow indicated his openness to pursuing up to five terms in office, intensifying the exchange of words with the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) during a stop in the Kanifing Municipality as part of his “Meet the People Tour.”
During a joint meeting in Bundung, Mr. Barrow characterized the UDP as a divided and desperate group, referring to its members as “wounded lions” and alleging that the party has been trying to undermine his leadership at every opportunity.
“I would go for a third term, and it would be beneficial to me,” the president said. “Even if you said I should not go for a fourth term, I would go for it—and a fifth term as well. Since they said I should not go for a third term, let them be ready.”
Mr. Barrow reiterated longstanding allegations that the UDP was responsible for the 2019 “Three Years Jotna” protest, which urged him to fulfill a campaign promise to resign after three years in office. He cautioned the opposition about the dangers of repeating such efforts. “Let them try again; we are waiting for them,” he said.
The president positioned his political choices as a direct response to the UDP’s critiques.“What they do not know is that I do not have a marabout. They are my marabout,” he said, employing a term for spiritual guides. “What they said I should not do is what I would do.”
Further extending the metaphor, Mr. Barrow stated that even if the UDP cautioned him against entering a fire, he would continue on regardless. “That fire would be ice and cold water for President Barrow,” he said. “Even if I do not want to do it, I would do it because I know they are not my well-wishers.”
The president responded to criticism from Borry Touray, a Gambian commentator and former civil servant, by suggesting that formal education does not always lead to wisdom. “Someone being educated and having knowledge are different,” he said, adding that “some are educated but have the same horn as that of cows.”
Mr. Barrow’s comments indicate a growing confrontational stance toward the opposition as The Gambia’s political environment intensifies in anticipation of upcoming elections.
