Mamadi Kurang
By Seedy Jobe
Alhagie Mamadi Kurang, on Monday, 8 December 2025, officially joined the United Democratic Party (UDP) and pledged to spearhead national efforts to resist President Adama Barrow’s bid for a third term in the December 5, 2026, presidential election.
Kurang was introduced at a press event held at the Bakau Community Hall, where he was welcomed by senior UDP figures, including Yankuba Darboe, Chairman of the Brikama Area Council, and a few UDP National Assembly members. Addressing the gathering, Kurang said his five-year experience in politics had convinced him that the UDP offers the most viable platform to bring about political change.
“Five years into politics, I conclude the UDP is the best option to end Barrow’s third-term presidency,” Kurang declared. “In December 2026, every Gambian must stand up and say no to this.”
Kurang sharply criticized the Barrow administration, accusing it of failing to tackle pressing national concerns such as irregular migration, rising inflation, and a deepening economic downturn. He argued that the country’s challenges require a leadership change, insisting that UDP leader Lawyer Ousainou Darboe is best positioned to steer The Gambia forward.
“Lawyer Ousainou Darboe is the best person to take The Gambia forward, end self-encroachment, and stop Adama Barrow’s rule,” Kurang stated.
In welcoming Kurang, Yankuba Darboe described the move as a “game changer” that he believes will motivate others to join the party, which he said is the only credible force capable of ending what he called the systemic mismanagement of public resources. Busumbala National Assembly Member Muhammad Kanteh also applauded the development, noting that Kurang’s economic expertise will significantly strengthen the UDP’s policy direction.
The event ended with Kurang being formally adorned in the UDP’s signature yellow colors, prompting celebrations among supporters. Political analysts say his decision offers both a morale boost and added intellectual weight to the UDP as it prepares for what is expected to be one of the most consequential elections in The Gambia’s recent history.
Reiterating his stance, Kurang emphasized, “So what I am saying is Lawyer Ousainou Darboe is the best person to take The Gambia forward… to bring an end to the rule of Adama Barrow.”
The UDP views Kurang’s entry as a strong signal of its growing momentum and its determination to prevent a third-term presidency for Barrow.