ANM Ousainu Darboe, Party Leader, UDP
By Fatou Sillah
United Democratic Party (UDP) leader and Secretary General, Ousainu Darboe, has voiced strong criticism of the government’s recent crackdown on youth protesters, describing it as a sign that the country is “heading in the wrong direction.”
Speaking at Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda’s “Ding Kuliyo” event in Farafenni on Saturday, Darboe expressed concern over the arrest and alleged mistreatment of young demonstrators. He questioned the ethical implications of enforcing the Public Order Act to suppress peaceful protests.
“Yes, the Public Order Act requires a permit for protests, but not everything that is legal is necessarily right,” Darboe stated. “The wrong path is arresting youths and inflicting harm simply for expressing themselves. That does not promote peace—it breeds resentment.”
Darboe emphasized that leadership must be responsive to the voices of its citizens, and that President Adama Barrow bears primary responsibility for ensuring the country’s democratic integrity.
“If I were president, I would have allowed them to protest peacefully and submit their petition,” he added. “The Inspector General of Police, the Minister of Interior, and the President failed to consider the broader implications of their actions.”
In addition to his criticism of the government’s approach to dissent, Darboe called on UDP National Assembly Members (NAMs) to decline any sitting allowances if they participate in the upcoming extraordinary session. The session has been convened to discuss a motion for establishing a special select committee to investigate the sale and disposal of assets belonging to former President Yahya Jammeh.
“To all UDP NAMs: If you attend this extraordinary session, do not accept the sitting allowance. Even if others take it, you should not,” he urged.
Darboe’s remarks underscore rising tensions between the government and opposition figures over civic freedoms and transparency in governance.