By Seedy Jobe
Hon. Saikouba Jarju, The Gambia’s Deputy Ambassador to Mauritania, has criticized the recent nationwide tour by United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Ousainou Darboe, calling it the “poorest” the veteran politician has undertaken since entering national politics in 1996.
Speaking in an interview with Senn FM Radio on Thursday, Jarju attributed what he described as dwindling public support for Darboe to a wave of high-profile departures from the party. He cited the exits of Talib Bensouda, Karafa Sonko, and Ebrima Dibba, claiming that former allies are now seeking to humiliate the party leader.
“They want to humiliate him in a way that, if he is not careful, that humiliation will not leave him,” Jarju warned.
Jarju, himself a former UDP parliamentarian who lost his seat in the last national assembly election, said he and other party stalwarts dismissed from the party in 2021 including President Adama Barrow do not hold personal grudges. Instead, he said they hope Darboe succeeds but urged the UDP leader to discern who remains loyal to him.
The remarks come amid continued internal tensions within the UDP, as critics accuse Darboe of refusing to step aside and allow younger leaders to take the helm after suffering five electoral defeats. Darboe has maintained that his political involvement is rooted in a commitment to democracy and accountability.
Jarju’s comments also highlight the intense debate taking place within the Gambian political space as political actors reposition ahead of the 2026 presidential elections and beyond.