Presidential Youth Adviser Warns Security Officers Against Open Opposition Support

By Makutu Manneh

Lamin K. Saidy, Youth Affairs Adviser to President Adama Barrow, has warned members of The Gambia’s security services against openly supporting opposition political parties, saying officers should not abuse the operational independence they enjoy under the current administration.

Saidy made the remarks in Brikama during an ongoing sensitization tour by the ruling National People’s Party (NPP).

His comments followed an incident at the Kotu Fire Station involving personnel of the Gambia Fire and Rescue Service and Kebba Madi Bojang, leader of the newly registered National Democratic Party (NDP). According to Saidy, officers welcomed Bojang by laying fabric on the ground for him to walk on, a traditional gesture of honor.

Saidy described the conduct of uniformed officers while on duty as unacceptable, arguing that members of the security services are expected to remain politically impartial.

He said the Barrow administration has allowed security institutions, including the police, military, immigration, and fire service, to operate independently and that such freedom should not be used to demonstrate partisan political allegiance.

Saidy also argued that security officers who openly support opposition politicians could raise concerns about their ability to handle sensitive government information impartially.

“Since President Barrow came into office, we have not seen police, soldiers, and other security forces putting on T-shirts, clapping, and following the president. Then we will not accept seeing members of the security services following opposition parties, clapping and supporting them,” he said.

Saidy said security personnel who wish to participate openly in partisan politics should resign from their positions and enter politics formally. He also said the law would be applied to those involved in the Kotu incident and suggested that action could be taken to remove those found responsible from the security services.

He further alleged that some individuals working within government institutions were making the administration’s work difficult, saying the government would identify and remove those it believes are working against it.

The presidential adviser also addressed district chiefs and village heads, urging them to reject calls for traditional leaders to stay out of politics.

Saidy argued that those advising chiefs and village heads not to participate in politics were misleading them. He further alleged that some opposition aspirants had already promised traditional leadership positions to their supporters.

He said President Barrow’s government appointed Alkalolu and Seyfolu and argued that they should therefore support and stand with the administration.