By Makutu Manneh
ANM Ousainu Darboe, leader and flagbearer of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has identified what he regards as President Adama Barrow’s most consequential failures over nine years in office, citing the absence of a new constitution, incomplete implementation of two major reform commissions, and stalled anti-corruption efforts.
Speaking in an interview with Mengbe Kering, Darboe described the government’s failure to deliver a new constitution as Barrow’s single greatest shortcoming. He noted that approximately D116 million had been expended on the constitutional drafting process without result, calling it “his biggest failure.”
Darboe also leveled criticism at the administration’s handling of the Janneh Commission report, arguing that the government had selectively acted on findings implicating former President Yahya Jammeh and his associates while disregarding other individuals named in the report.
On transitional justice, Darboe pointed to the slow pace of implementing recommendations from the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC). He noted that while the TRRC submitted its report in 2021, five years had passed with little meaningful progress, leaving the public with little more than repeated assurances from officials.
Regarding anti-corruption measures, Darboe acknowledged that an anti-corruption act had been passed and signed into law by the president, but said the corresponding commission had yet to begin operations. He alleged the delay was intentional, stating that “many people connected to the president are involved in corruption.”
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