By Seedy Jobe
United Democratic Party leader ANM Ousainu Darboe on Sunday urged the country’s police chief to demonstrate “impartial application of the law,” warning that last week’s detention of lawyer Borry S. Touray risks deepening public perceptions that the police target opposition figures.
Speaking to vendors at Serrekunda Market, Darboe said the inviation for questioning and subsequent detention of Borry Touray has raised “serious concerns” about political interference in law enforcement. He called on Inspector General of Police Seedy Touray {no relation to Borry] to ensure that the police are not used as “a tool for political persecution.”
“We will not stand idly by while selective justice is meted out,” Darboe told the crowd. “The IGP must implement the law equally against everyone, regardless of political affiliation. Do not allow the public to build the narrative that you are empowering your in-law [referring to the President] against his opponents.”
Darboe contrasted the treatment of Touray with the lack of official action against Agriculture Minister Demba Sabally, who has been accused by critics of making inflammatory remarks suggesting potential bloodshed during President Adama Barrow’s re-election campaign. Darboe noted that Sabally himself had once sharply criticized Barrow, calling him “incompetent, worthless, and inefficient” during the 2016 political crisis, yet now speaks with apparent impunity.
He also pointed to comments made by Mama Jabbie, a prominent supporter of Barrow’s National People’s Party, who has publicly insulted Touray and the UDP without facing consequences. “We are putting you on notice about Mama Jabbie, just as Ebrima Sillah and Mai Fatty put you on notice about Borry,” Darboe said, referring to earlier warnings issued by the Works Minister and the ruling party alliance partner’s leader before Touray’s arrest.
With the 2026 presidential election looming, Darboe framed the moment as pivotal both for his party and for the country’s democratic credibility. “2026 is not a joke,” he said. “If individuals who once harshly criticized President Barrow now hold influential positions and allegedly speak of bloodshed, then the stakes are even higher for those who endured imprisonment during earlier political struggles.”
Market leaders, led by Sulayman Dampha, assured the UDP leader of strong support in Serrekunda, pledging to help deliver a decisive victory next year.
Darboe, chosen earlier this year as the UDP’s standard-bearer for the 2026 race, urged supporters to intensify grassroots mobilization. “It is only through your dedication and hard work that we can secure State House,” he said.
Despite mounting tensions, Darboe expressed confidence in his party’s prospects. “2026,” he declared to applause, “is the year of the UDP.”