UDP Press Statement
The United Democratic Party (UDP) is alerting Gambians and indeed the international community about advanced plans to physically harm the leader Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, currently in remand with scores of his executive and other supporters.
The UDP Diaspora has confirmed from different credible security sources that specified plans were discussed on two different occasions in the last seven days on what to do with the UDP Leader, Lawyer Ousainou Darboe.
At least so far we have been able to establish from our credible security contacts that one of the plans agreed upon by the regime is to use imbedded hoodlums from President Jammeh’s Hit Squad (The Jungluers) who will be planted as inmates at Mile II Prisons to stage an attack on Mr Darboe. Another method which was discussed to harm Mr Darboe is to administer poison possibly on his food or water.
Using rudimentary poisoning from sources like acids from lead batteries to eliminate prisoners who are perceived enemies of the Gambian regime is not new. Several inmates who served their prison term in Mile II have confirmed this to be a routine measure used to eliminate people at the State Central Prison.
It could be recalled that some two months ago The Gambia government through the interior minister Ousman Sonko embarked on quest to acquire poison through illicit sources in Eastern Europe. The attempt to acquire the lethal poison was detected by some Western Intelligence which raised the alarm.
Lawyer Darboe and many other detainees are also denied food from family making the state the sole provider of everything they consume. On rare occasions when family members are allowed to bring in food from home, prison authorities acting on orders from President Yahya Jammeh, put in place every obstacle possible to prevent the detainees from eating the home made food.
We are serving notice that the government of The Gambia will bear full responsibility for Lawyer Ousainou Darboe and indeed all detainees under its custody. Lawyer Darboe was arrested healthy and sound. Should anything happen to him or any other person arrested in relation to the events of April and May 20165, The Gambia government will have to bear full responsibility of the consequences.
The UDP wants to make it categorically clear that it and the Gambian people will not tolerate any attempt to bring harm to the heroes illegally held in prison. We demand their full and unconditional release, a full accounting of all arrested personnel, and comprehensive reform.
To our compatriots in the fight for freedom, we urge you to redouble your efforts to see this seminal battle through. Let us remain united in purpose, focused on our common objectives and get the job done together.
