Darboe Criticizes Barrow’s Record, Urges Youths to Vote Wisely at Foni Rally

By Seedy Jobe

ANM Ousainu Darboe, leader and secretary general of the United Democratic Party, criticized President Adama Barrow’s record in office and urged young Gambians to carefully consider their future when they vote in the December presidential election.

Speaking at a UDP-led alliance rally in Foni Sibanor in the West Coast Region, Darboe accused Barrow of failing to deliver on promises made to Gambians and questioned whether voters should trust new commitments from the president.

Darboe recalled promises Barrow made during the 2016 election campaign and referred to past remarks attributed to the president suggesting that politicians make promises during campaigns but may act differently once elected.

“He will not fulfill the promise,” Darboe said, arguing that Barrow’s record should guide voters as they assess his latest pledges.

Darboe also accused the president of showing little concern for women, citing enforcement actions against female vendors. He alleged that an official identified as Mr. Manneh had accompanied members of the Police Intervention Unit during operations in which vendors’ tables were destroyed and vegetables confiscated.

He also criticized the demolition of mosques and argued that the authority entrusted to the government should be exercised to improve the lives of Gambians rather than cause hardship.

Turning to health care, Darboe questioned government claims about expanding hospital capacity, including the provision of 1,500 beds. He said that even if the figure was accurate, more resources should have been distributed to underserved areas such as Badibou, Kiang, Basse and the Central River Region.

Darboe cited a recent serious road accident in Allunhari, saying victims could not receive adequate treatment at Bansang Hospital because of shortages of equipment, doctors, and medicines and had to be transferred to Banjul. He argued that stronger regional health facilities could reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for emergency care.

“These are the issues” the government should be addressing, Darboe told supporters, adding that voters would have an opportunity on Dec. 5 to determine the country’s direction.

Darboe devoted a significant portion of his remarks to young people, telling them that the election would have particularly important consequences for their generation.

He linked youth unemployment and limited economic opportunities to irregular migration, commonly known in The Gambia as the “backway,” saying many young Gambians risk dangerous journeys abroad because they see few prospects at home.

Darboe urged young voters to carefully consider their choices, arguing that decisions made at the ballot box would help determine whether the conditions driving irregular migration persist.

He also criticized government spending on nationwide tours, saying more public resources should instead be directed toward programs capable of creating jobs and opportunities for young people. He described the government’s “Meet the Farmers” tour as an NPP campaign exercise financed with public funds.

Using the annual Tobaski livestock trade as an example, Darboe questioned why The Gambia continues to rely heavily on imported rams from Senegal and Mauritania. He said one billion dalasis could instead be invested in organizing and supporting young Gambians to raise livestock domestically, creating employment while reducing dependence on imports.

Darboe said a UDP-led government would pursue policies aimed at giving young people greater opportunities to remain in the country and build their livelihoods, promising that voters would see a noticeable difference within five years.

He pointed to his previous experience mobilizing international development assistance, recalling that he and former Finance Minister Amadou Sanneh secured €50 million in grants during meetings in Paris. Darboe argued that the experience demonstrated what could be achieved through effective international engagement.

Darboe also thanked residents of Foni for embracing Lamin Bojang as a respected father figure, saying their support could help strengthen the UDP’s political presence in the area.