UDP Leader Darboe Urges Gambians to Reject Tribalism as Election Nears

By Makutu Manneh

Ousainu Darboe, the leader of the United Democratic Party, has called on Gambians to reject tribalism and refrain from rhetoric that could deepen ethnic divisions as the country heads into another presidential election.

Speaking in an interview with Kerr Fatou, Mr. Darboe said no ethnic group in The Gambia should regard itself as superior to another and urged political, traditional, and religious leaders to exercise caution in their public statements during an increasingly charged political season.

“In this country, no tribe is better than the other,” Mr. Darboe said. “Fula, Wolof, Sarahule, Mandinka and all other ethnic groups are equals in The Gambia.”

Mr. Darboe said political competition should not be allowed to become a vehicle for ethnic division, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could create unnecessary tensions at a sensitive moment for the country.

“We should not involve tribalism in any of our engagements,” he said. “Anyone in my group or another group, let us put aside tribalism.”

He said leaders, because of the influence they wield over their supporters and communities, have a particular responsibility to ensure that their words do not inflame ethnic tensions. Mr. Darboe added that he does not distinguish among Gambians on the basis of ethnicity.

His remarks come as political activity intensifies ahead of the presidential election and amid growing concern over ethnically charged commentary in public discourse, particularly on social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok.

Ethnicity has periodically surfaced in Gambian political debate, especially during election seasons, when political allegiances and ethnic identities can become intertwined. Mr. Darboe urged Gambians to resist such divisions and approach the coming political contest without allowing ethnic identity to determine how they view one another.

His appeal places particular emphasis on those with public influence, including politicians, religious figures, and traditional leaders, whom he said should use their platforms to promote unity rather than deepen divisions as the election approaches.