By Makutu Manneh
Yaya Menteng Sanyang, the United Democratic Party (UDP) National Assembly Member for Latrikunda Sabiji, has accused the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) of deliberately portraying the UDP as a tribalist party to rally ethnic minorities against it.
Speaking during an interview on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez, Menteng said, “They do this so that the ethnic minorities will galvanise themselves together and see UDP as a Mandinka establishment and go against it.”
He added that the NPP’s repeated references to the UDP as tribalist are part of a calculated strategy to reinforce this perception and gain a political advantage.
Menteng emphasized that the UDP plans to counter these allegations through both legal and political measures. “UDP is ready this time around to make a stop to these political individuals, these political rascals and mischievous persons who will go out of their way to say UDP is a tribalist party,” he emphasized.
The lawmaker specifically criticized Seedy Njie, describing his statements as “dishonorable and mischievous.” Menteng also referenced Njie’s actions during the political unrest following the ousting of former President Yaya Jammeh in 2016, suggesting that Njie played a role in heightening tensions at that time.
“I thought by now Seedy Njie was going to be repentant for what he has done to Gambians, but the way he is going I fear Seedy Njie is one of those figures that will not make it to heaven if he does not apologize to Gambians,” adding that Njie “is a very funny character and whimsical figure and a mischievous political rascal.”
Menteng also questioned Njie’s academic credentials, alleging that he spent many years at the University of The Gambia without completing a degree.
He concluded by reaffirming the UDP’s commitment to inclusivity, noting that the party has a long history of representing diverse ethnic groups across the country.