On Tuesday, United Democratic Party leader Ousainu Darboe intensified his criticism of the government’s management of The Gambia’s key assets and presented the 2026 elections as a pivotal event for the future of the nation.
Darboe stated during a press conference held at the party’s Manjai Bureau that the UDP is still adamantly opposed to what it perceives as the mortgage or ceding of important national infrastructure to foreign entities, specifically mentioning the Gambia Ports Authority and the Senegambia Bridge.
“We have spoken against the pledging or the mortgaging of the Senegambia Bridge. We have spoken against it,” he said. “And we have also spoken against the contract or non-contract, the franchising of the Gambia Port Authority, one of our biggest national assets, to foreign interests.”
Darboe questioned the reasoning behind these choices, speculating that the national interest might not have been the only consideration. He stated that worries had been expressed over potential personal gains connected to the transactions, but refrained from leveling outright charges.
“Some are saying, although I do not have any evidence, that because of some personal gains, there are some who are deriving from the transaction,” he said. “So I think we should put Gambia above everything, above ourselves.”
The UDP leader stated that the party’s warnings were becoming more generally accepted by the people, and that objections that had previously been written off as obstructionist were now being reiterated more frequently.
“When we spoke against these things, people thought we were just being impossible, that these are losers and they have nothing better to say against this government,” he said. “But alas, we see a lot of people are also thinking the way we have thought.”
Darboe urged voters to support the UDP in the 2026 presidential election, citing the party’s “experienced and principled” leadership.
“I believe that 2026 will see the creation of a new Gambia,” he said. “Every Gambian who really believes that this country needs good leadership, committed leadership, and tested leadership will vote for the United Democratic Party.”
He emphasized the party’s commitment to responsibility and openness, stating that the national interest has always driven its decisions. “At no time have we taken a decision that was self-serving. Decisions that have been taken by us have always been in the best interest of the country.”
Additionally, Mr. Darboe urged journalists to assist in communicating the party’s stances and suggested alternatives to the public in the upcoming year.
“For the new year, the United Democratic Party looks forward to really working with the press for the dissemination of our positions, our views, our concerns, and whatever solutions or alternatives we may provide,” he said.
He greeted Gambians a happy new year and conveyed his optimism that the nation was poised for transformation as he concluded the briefing. He wished everyone a happy new year and urged them to pledge that Gambia will be redeemed by 2026.
