By Seedy Jobe
The Secretary General and Party Leader of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), Lawyer ANM Ousainu Darboe, has accused President Adama Barrow and his close associates of promoting tribalism in The Gambia.
Speaking during an interview with SkyPower Radio on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, Mr. Darboe alleged that the president and members of his inner circle are actively contributing to ethnic divisions within the country.
“If tribalism exists in this country, the people practicing it right now are Adama Barrow and his circle. They encourage tribalism in this country.”
He further claimed that individuals close to the president are fostering division in private settings. “That’s why those close to him- the people he has breakfast, lunch, and dinner with, the people he drinks attaya with- are germinating tribalism. Adama Barrow and his people are the ones doing it,” he added.
Mr. Darboe rejected longstanding accusations that the UDP is a tribal-based party, instead turning the criticism toward the ruling National People’s Party (NPP). He argued that UDP’s support base reflects the country’s ethnic diversity.
“They say UDP is a tribal party, yet they are the same ones saying UDP doesn’t want Mandinkas. If you look at UDP’s membership, it includes the entire Gambia. Being Fula, Jola, and Mandinka—that’s the point.”
Mr. Darboe emphasized that The Gambia’s strength lies in its diversity, saying,
“Many years ago, I told Gambians, ‘The Gambia without Mandinkas is not The Gambia. The Gambia without Wolofs is not The Gambia. The Gambia without Sarahules, Jolas, and Serers is not The Gambia. These people constitute The Gambia; that’s what UDP believes. So we are Gambians, not just Mandinkas. We are The Gambia. That’s what UDP is,” he said.
Emphasizing national unity, Mr. Darboe reiterated his long-held position that The Gambia’s identity is rooted in its diversity. He called on political leaders to promote inclusivity and unity, stressing that no ethnic group is superior to another.
“Leaders should promote what makes us one. No Mandinka is better than a Jola in this country. Jola is not better than a Serer. There are no second-class citizens in this country; we are all equal; all tribes are equal,” he said.
Referencing an alleged leaked audio involving Seedy Njie, Mr. Darboe claimed it exposed underlying discriminatory attitudes within the ruling circle.
“God has exposed this, but it is unfortunate. Barrow’s people are the ones saying that. If you are a Mandinka, they will not work with you. They will keep away from you.”
Mr. Darboe concluded by emphasizing that political success in The Gambia depends on broad, cross-ethnic support.
“UDP knows it cannot produce a president in this country if Wolofs do not support us. You cannot be president if Sarahules do not support us. You cannot be president if other tribes do not support us. Mandinka support alone cannot take you anywhere in this country. This is what Adama Barrow should know. Let him talk to his people who sit privately saying things against other tribes,” he said.
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