By Fatou Sillah
United Democratic Party (UDP) leader and Secretary General Ousainou Darboe has accused President Adama Barrow and Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda of abandoning the party’s founding principles in pursuit of personal ambition.
Speaking during a UDP fundraising event in Vienna, Austria, Darboe said both Barrow and Bensouda departed from the UDP’s core values, prioritizing self-interest instead.
“Adama Barrow was not a founding member of the UDP — 1996 did not meet him in the party. That is why he left,” Darboe said. “My son Talib also was not a founding member, so they don’t look at the values of the party; they only look at what personal benefits they can get.”
Darboe emphasized that the UDP remains steadfast in its commitment to democracy and the fight against corruption, principles he said have defined the party since its formation.
“They know very well that Ousainou Darboe and corruption are enemies,” he said. “Since 1996, UDP has been telling Gambians, ‘Let’s fight corruption.’ There will never be any political party in The Gambia that can say something new to the people that UDP has not already said.”
The veteran opposition leader also recalled how the UDP was among the first to expose and challenge corruption under former president Yahya Jammeh, including the alleged embezzlement of a $3 million crude oil donation from Nigeria.
“We were the first to confront Jammeh over the crude oil donations from Nigeria that were stolen. From day one, UDP has been fighting against corruption,” Darboe stated.
He further commended former party flagbearer aspirants Amadou Sanneh and Borry Touray for their continued loyalty and commitment to the UDP, despite not being selected as candidates.
“Amadou Sanneh told me that he stands behind me and will support me until victory. Borry Touray also believes in the party and does not see UDP as a ladder for personal gain,” he said.
Darboe concluded by expressing gratitude to the Gambian diaspora for their unwavering support, reaffirming his dedication to leading the UDP and the country in accordance with democratic principles and accountability.