Darboe Pledges Better Pay, Working Conditions for Security Personnel Under UDP Government

By Seedy Jobe

The Secretary General and party leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), ANM Ousainu Darboe, has pledged to improve salaries, working conditions, and welfare for members of The Gambia’s security services if elected president in the December 5 presidential election.

Speaking at a UDP political meeting in Lamin, Mr. Darboe defended security personnel against widespread accusations of corruption, arguing that inadequate salaries and poor working conditions have left many officers struggling to meet their basic needs.

He said police officers, soldiers, and other uniformed personnel perform essential duties under difficult circumstances, often working long hours and risking their lives to protect the public without receiving adequate compensation or institutional support.

Mr. Darboe described the conditions at some police stations as deplorable, citing deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate office furniture, and a lack of basic facilities needed for officers to perform their duties effectively.

He criticized the tendency to ridicule police officers accused of soliciting money from motorists, arguing that their conduct must also be understood in the context of the financial hardships they face.

According to the veteran opposition leader, some officers resort to asking motorists for money to buy attaya, a popular local tea, because their salaries are insufficient to support their daily needs.

He maintained that rather than simply condemning officers for such conduct, the government must address the underlying economic conditions that contribute to it.

Mr. Darboe said similar challenges affect members of the armed forces, many of whom struggle with transportation costs and are sometimes forced to seek lifts to their duty stations.

He described the situation as undignified for men and women entrusted with defending the country and protecting its citizens.

Highlighting the sacrifices made by security personnel, Mr. Darboe noted that police officers frequently remain on duty late into the night, responding to complaints and conducting patrols while most citizens are at home.

He also emphasized the risks faced by soldiers, recalling that military personnel are called upon to defend the country during security threats, including attacks along its borders.

Mr. Darboe said the UDP has incorporated comprehensive security sector reforms into its policy agenda, with particular emphasis on improving remuneration, working conditions, and the professional development of uniformed personnel.

He pledged that a UDP administration would prioritize the welfare of security officers and ensure that their contributions to national security are properly recognized and rewarded.

According to him, members of the security services deserve treatment and compensation commensurate with the importance of their responsibilities, arguing that their welfare should receive greater attention than the privileges enjoyed by government ministers.

Mr. Darboe also called for the establishment of a professional, politically neutral security apparatus committed to defending the Constitution and serving the interests of all Gambians, regardless of political affiliation.

He said a UDP government would work closely with security institutions to build a force that is republican in character, professionally oriented and independent of partisan political influence.

Addressing young Gambians, Mr. Darboe urged them to regard careers in the security services as honorable professions deserving of public respect.

He encouraged those already serving in the police, army and navy to take pride in their responsibilities, assuring them that a UDP administration would recognize their sacrifices and support their professional development.

Earlier in his address, Mr. Darboe expressed confidence in his party’s prospects in the December election, praising UDP supporters in Lamin for their commitment and political mobilization.

He recalled that he was selected as the party’s presidential candidate on September 10, 2025, and said he accepted the nomination because of his confidence in the determination of party supporters to campaign for victory.

Mr. Darboe also acknowledged young supporters who had pledged to repay what they described as “Baba’s debt with votes,” expressing confidence that they would fulfill that commitment at the ballot box.

He said he had no doubt about his electoral prospects, maintaining that the enthusiasm and determination of UDP supporters would translate into victory on December 5.

The UDP leader presented security sector reform as a central component of his proposed administration, arguing that improving the welfare of uniformed personnel is essential to building a professional, accountable and politically neutral security service.