By Fatou Sillah
Bakary K. Badjie, the National Assembly member for Foni Bintang Karanai and leader of the United Gambia Front, has pledged to pursue a zero-tolerance policy on corruption if elected president in 2026.
Speaking at a news conference at the movement’s headquarters in Mariama Kunda, Mr. Badjie said anyone found responsible for corruption under his administration would face legal consequences, regardless of personal, political, or family connections.
He also promised to ensure that government audit findings receive serious attention and that reports submitted to the National Assembly’s Finance and Public Accounts Committee are acted upon.
“My first step is to ensure that the audit reports are respected,” Mr. Badjie said. “Every audit report that comes will matter to me. Whoever is found wanting on corruption must face the law without mercy.”
He said affiliation with his party—or a personal relationship with him—would not shield anyone from prosecution.
“It will not benefit you if you know me,” he said. “It will not even benefit you if you are in my party or if you are my relative. The laws are the laws, and corruption will never be tolerated as long as my government exists.”
Addressing youth unemployment and irregular migration, Mr. Badjie said many young Gambians were leaving the country because they had lost hope in their prospects at home.
He pledged to expand economic opportunities for young people, including access to loans to help them establish businesses and pursue entrepreneurial ventures. He did not provide details about how the proposed programme would be financed or administered.
On national security, Mr. Badjie argued that The Gambia already had sufficient laws but faced persistent weaknesses in their enforcement. He promised that, under his leadership, the law would be applied fairly and consistently, saying meaningful national development could not be achieved without security.
Mr. Badjie also confirmed that he would contest the 2026 presidential election.
“One thing I assure you is that, God willing, I am contesting in 2026,” he said. “Whether people understand it or not, whether they believe it or not, I am telling you with certainty that my ballot box will be there, and I will contest.”
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