By Makutu Manneh
The United Democratic Party (UDP) has been hit by two high-profile resignations, as Vice Chairman for the North Bank Region, Bai Mbye Sarr, and KMC Regional Deputy Campaign Manager, Matty Kanyi, both formally announced their departure from the party on Tuesday.
In separate letters addressed to the UDP leadership, the officials cited different but significant reasons for stepping down.
Mr. Sarr, who served as Vice Chairman for the North Bank Region, said it had been an “honor and privilege” to work under the UDP. He thanked the party’s leadership, members, and supporters for their collaboration during his tenure, but noted that his resignation was a personal decision taken “after careful consideration.”
“This decision was not made lightly, but I believe it is the right step for me at this point,” Mr. Sarr wrote, urging the party to “continue striving for unity, peace, and good governance.”
In a more strongly worded letter, Ms. Kanyi, the KMC Regional Deputy Campaign Manager, announced her resignation not only from her executive role but also from the UDP entirely. She expressed deep disillusionment with what she described as a deviation of the party from its founding principles.
“I joined the UDP because I believed in its stated principles of democracy, transparency, and service to the people. It is with a heavy heart that I must now conclude that the party’s trajectory is fundamentally at odds with those core ideals,” she stated.
Ms. Kanyi further noted that “recent events and the prevailing internal culture” left her unable to continue representing or campaigning for the UDP. She said her decision was made “for the sake of personal integrity and beliefs,” while still acknowledging the dedication of grassroots members she had worked with over the years.
The UDP leadership has not yet issued an official response to the resignations. However, the double departure is expected to spark debate within the party as it prepares for future political contests.