Veteran United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Ousainu Darboe reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to political reform on Friday, telling supporters that he remains committed to his decades-long mission to build “a better Gambia.”
At a party event in the southern Kombo village of Jambanjelly, Mr. Darboe reflected on a nearly three-decade political career, stating that his quest for effective governance started in 1996 at the age of 48.
“Since 1996, I have been telling you our stand is for you to be governed by a good government,” Mr. Darboe told the crowd. “The mission I have been on since 1996 is still not completed.”
Former vice president and longstanding opposition leader Mr. Darboe stated that although The Gambia has made strides in removing former President Yahya Jammeh’s authoritarian reign, the fight for accountability and transparency is still ongoing.
He harshly attacked the administration of President Adama Barrow, charging it with extensive corruption and poor leadership.
“Adama Barrow’s government is the most corrupt government in this world,” he declared, adding that the country’s wealth and resources were being plundered.
According to Mr. Darboe, his party’s current goal is to install a government that works for regular Gambians instead of what he described as a “useless government.”
“If I call them a useless government, it pains them,” he said. “But they are indeed a useless government. If they do any good, I will call them a good government.”
The UDP leader called on civic organizations and opposition parties to work together in what he called a “common effort” to “redeem” the nation from moral decline and corruption. He declared, “Let’s work together to redeem this nation.” “We cannot afford to leave The Gambia in its current state for our offspring. History will blame us if we do this.
Ahead of upcoming elections, Mr. Darboe, one of the most well-known political figures in the nation since the 1990s, has established himself as a key voice in the opposition scene.
