By Seedy Jobe
The National Youth President of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Hagi Suwaneh, has condemned First Lady Fatoumatta Bah Barrow over an alleged confrontation with UNITE National President Ebrima Dibba, arguing that the incident raises broader concerns about abuse of power and impunity.
Suwaneh’s remarks followed allegations that the First Lady attempted to prevent Dibba from boarding a government ferry during an encounter between the two.
He said the incident should concern Gambians regardless of their political affiliation, arguing that the controversy goes beyond Dibba or any particular political party.
“This is not about Ebrima Dibba. This is not about the UDP. This is about the governance of the country, where every citizen needs to come out and condemn this,” Suwaneh said.
He said he condemned the incident “in totality,” arguing that injustice and abuse of authority have already caused significant harm to the country.
Suwaneh also praised Dibba for what he described as restraint during the confrontation. He alleged that the First Lady held Dibba’s hand and inappropriately spoke to him before security personnel intervened.
The UDP youth leader sought to link the incident to President Adama Barrow’s pursuit of a third term, arguing that another five years under Barrow would deepen what he described as corruption, impunity, and authoritarianism.
“If Barrow wins a third term, it will not be about the country’s progress. No. It will be about dictatorship and corruption. That’s the only thing he can offer,” he said.
Suwaneh further accused the Barrow administration of operating like a family enterprise and claimed that the government is heavily influenced by the First Lady and former Senegalese President Macky Sall.
He also questioned any attempt to restrict access to a public ferry, arguing that the vessel belongs to Gambian taxpayers rather than the president or his family. Suwaneh went on to raise questions about the president’s tax status and salary, as well as the D33 million he alleged was received by the First Lady’s foundation.
Turning to supporters of Barrow’s National People’s Party (NPP), Suwaneh urged them to reconsider their political allegiance. He cited former senior NPP figures Kebba Madi and Lamin Sima, questioning how they are treated by the President today despite their previous support.
He described the NPP as “family property” and warned that some longtime supporters of Barrow could find themselves sidelined if the President secures another term.
“This third term you are seeking for Barrow will backfire on you. Come out and join the Gambian people and rescue our country,” Suwaneh said.
Looking ahead to the presidential election, Suwaneh said the UDP is prepared for the contest but identified the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) as a major concern. He said the party has developed plans to ensure transparency in the electoral process “hook or crook.”
Suwaneh maintained that the alleged ferry confrontation should serve as a warning about what he believes another Barrow term could mean for the country, predicting greater abuse of power, impunity and injustice.
Comments are closed.