Darboe Vows to End Corruption, Wasteful Spending, and Ethnic Division if Elected President

By Seedy Jobe

United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Ousainu Darboe has pledged to end corruption, wasteful public spending and ethnic division if elected president in the December 5 presidential election, accusing President Adama Barrow’s administration of perpetuating practices that have undermined national development and unity.

Speaking on Wednesday at a youth gathering organized by the Gambia First Coalition, a UDP-led alliance, in Brikama North, Mr. Darboe said Gambian youths were determined to bring about political change and reject what he described as the continuation of corruption and mismanagement under the current administration.

Addressing a large crowd of supporters, the veteran opposition leader expressed gratitude to young people for their enthusiastic reception, noting that hundreds had accompanied his vehicle from the main junction to the meeting venue.

Mr. Darboe described young Gambians as the driving force behind the country’s political future, arguing that meaningful change would depend largely on their determination and participation.

He said the youths had made their position clear: they would not tolerate the continuation of corruption, wasteful spending, or the misallocation of public resources.

“There will be no continuity of corruption in this country,” Mr. Darboe declared, arguing that another term for President Barrow would perpetuate the problems he accused the administration of failing to address.

He further alleged that public funds had been squandered or gone unaccounted for under the current government, insisting that young Gambians were determined to put an end to such practices.

Turning to national unity, Mr. Darboe accused the Barrow administration of fostering ethnic divisions and said the country’s youths had rejected politics based on tribal identity.

He warned that re-electing President Barrow would risk deepening those divisions, arguing that Gambians deserved leadership capable of bringing citizens together regardless of their ethnic backgrounds.

Mr. Darboe expressed confidence that the December 5 election would usher in a new political era, with a president whom young supporters affectionately refer to as “Baba.”

He also promised a different approach to governance, saying his administration would refrain from political intimidation, inflammatory rhetoric, and dishonesty in public office.

Mr. Darboe assured supporters that ministers serving under his leadership would be expected to uphold standards of honesty and accountability rather than use public platforms to mislead citizens.

His remarks come as the UDP-led Gambia First Coalition intensifies its political mobilization ahead of the presidential election, seeking to rally young voters around promises of accountable governance, prudent management of public resources, and national unity.