UNITE’s Nenneh Freda Gomez Warns Against Divisive Politics Ahead of December Election

By Fatou Sillah

Nenneh Freda Gomez, the deputy party leader for governance and public policy of UNITE, has urged Gambians to reject divisive political rhetoric and defend national unity as the country approaches the December presidential election.

Speaking on Eye Africa, Gomez accused the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) and its political allies of being prepared to go to extreme lengths to secure electoral victory.

“They can do anything to win the election, and anything that stands in the way of that winning, they are going to get rid of you,” she said.

Gomez called on Gambians to remain vigilant, arguing that citizens have a collective responsibility to safeguard the country’s democratic values and national cohesion.

She also criticized Hamat Bah, the Minister of Local Government, Lands, and Religious Affairs, over remarks about not handing the country to a Lebanese person, comments that some have interpreted as a reference to Talib Ahmed Bensouda, the presidential candidate of Coalition 2026.

Gomez rejected the suggestion that any public official could claim greater national belonging than other Gambians, regardless of their social standing, educational background, or political affiliation.

“We should all stand and show Hamat Bah that he is not more Gambian than the people in Barra, or the woman living in Basse with no formal education, no government position,” she said.

She argued that holding public office was a privilege that carried an obligation to serve all citizens equally, rather than promote rhetoric that could deepen divisions.

According to Gomez, political leaders should use their positions to foster unity, inspire public confidence, and address the challenges facing ordinary Gambians.

She also accused government officials of showing insufficient empathy toward citizens struggling with everyday hardships, saying the electorate ultimately holds the power to determine the country’s political future.

Gomez urged voters to use the December election to reject tribalism, corruption, and nepotism, while supporting leaders and policies they believe would advance national development.

She emphasized that protecting The Gambia’s unity and dignity must take precedence over partisan interests, particularly as political competition intensifies ahead of the presidential vote.