Lawyer Ousainu Darboe, leader and Secretary General of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has urged President Adama Barrow to promptly remove Agriculture Minister Demba Sabally from his Cabinet and his role within the National People’s Party (NPP) due to comments that Darboe characterizes as inciting political violence.
At a UDP rally in Yundum, Darboe voiced significant concern regarding Sabally’s recent remarks, which he perceives as encouraging violence to sustain political authority.
Regarding the UDP, even if we must make a significant sacrifice in politics, it would be for a noble purpose—like providing sustenance—not to incite disorder,” Darboe stated. “However, you have all heard them—they are ready to shed blood merely to maintain Adama Barrow in power. Barrow spent many years in the UDP without facing such rhetoric, yet a senior member of his current party is now making these alarming statements. Darboe proposed that Sabally ought to encounter legal repercussions for his statements.
“The security forces are aware, yet he continues to be at large.” He is diligently equipping others for violence. “I am confident that the women of the UDP can play a crucial role in preventing such outcomes,” Darboe stated. “Political bloodshed must never be tolerated in The Gambia again.” The UDP will always uphold its principles and never compromise its integrity to attain power. Our goal is to achieve this through the free and peaceful choices of the Gambian people.
The opposition leader called on Gambian women to ignore Sabally’s comments and to unite in support of a peaceful, accountable government in the forthcoming 2026 elections.
I have confidence that you will choose a government dedicated to serving the people peacefully. The Gambian electorate faces a crucial decision: will you support a party that maintains its grip on power through violence, or one that pursues it through constitutional and peaceful avenues? I trust in the insight of the Gambian people. Darboe criticized Sabally’s political journey, alleging opportunism and a lack of a credible history.
These individuals are in a state of desperation—having faced failures overseas, they are shifting from one political party to another. Some are recognized solely due to their connections with others, such as Mama Kandeh. There are discussions about reinstating Adama Barrow to power, even if it could lead to violence. This should be denounced.
He emphasized that individuals such as Demba Sabally represent a danger to democratic stability and should be excluded from the nation’s political future.
As long as individuals like Sabally are part of our political landscape, the risk of violence will persist.” The sole reason he is able to express himself in this manner is due to the protection provided by the government. If a dissenting voice had expressed a similar sentiment, they would likely be incarcerated by now. That does not represent democracy. In a genuine democracy, the law is applied uniformly to everyone, irrespective of their political ties. I urge Gambian women to remove such individuals from office through their votes.
Darboe ended by directly urging President Barrow to demonstrate his dedication to peace.
President Barrow, you recently expressed your honor in Mauritania as a leader committed to peace. If that is indeed the case—if you genuinely embody the spirit of peace—now is the moment to take action. Dismiss Demba Sabally from your Cabinet, revoke his NPP position, and let the legal process unfold. His statements constitute an incitement to violence. If you choose to keep him, it implies that you support his statements—and if that is the situation, we will react politically, but without resorting to violence.
