Written by: The Fatu Network Newsroom

The United Democratic Party (UDP) has issued a statement criticizing the Adama Barrow administration’s handling of former dictator Yahya Jammeh’s confiscated assets, alleging incomplete transparency and lack of political will in addressing corruption concerns.

The opposition party’s statement, released by the UDP Media Team, addresses what it describes as the government’s failure to provide comprehensive information regarding controversial asset sales, despite public pressure and previous commitments to full disclosure.

Months after nationwide protests organized by Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) in May 2025 prompted the administration to pledge transparency, the UDP states that “the government has yet to release a complete and transparent record of buyers and prices.” The party notes that “despite mounting public frustration, the Ministry of Justice has only provided a fragmented list, raising suspicions of deliberate obfuscation and a lack of political will to combat corruption.”

Following the May demonstrations, President Barrow announced that the government would publish detailed records of all transactions involving Jammeh’s confiscated assets, including luxury cars, livestock, boats, and real estate. However, according to the UDP, “the disclosed list—released under pressure—omitted critical details, including the identities of high-profile buyers and justification for suspiciously undervalued sales.”

The UDP highlighted specific concerns about asset pricing, noting instances where “some vehicles were sold at prices far below market value (e.g., a Hummer H3 auctioned for $135,000 against an $80,000 reserve price).” The party also stated that “key assets like Jammeh’s custom Rolls-Royce and Bentley remain unaccounted for.”

The opposition party expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s approach to providing information, stating: “The UDP condemns this selective transparency, which fuels allegations of insider deals benefiting Barrow’s allies.”

Regarding the ongoing National Assembly inquiry into the matter, the UDP characterized the government’s reliance on this process as problematic. “The government’s reliance on a National Assembly inquiry is a pretext for further delays, and is unacceptable,” the statement read. The party noted that “while the National Assembly debates the scandal, the Ministry of Justice has failed to supplement its initial disclosures with the promised breakdowns from receivers like Augustus Prom Audit Tax Advisory and the Sheriff Division.”

The UDP described this as “a stalling tactic” that “suggests an attempt to bury the issue until public outrage fades.”

The party alleged a broader pattern in the administration’s response to corruption allegations, stating: “UDP will continue to expose the Barrow administration’s pattern of deflection. When corruption is exposed, the NPP-led government invokes investigations to buy time while shielding culprits.”

The UDP emphasized its position that transparency should not depend on the completion of inquiries: “The UDP insists that the asset list must be published immediately, without waiting for the inquiry’s conclusion, to restore public trust.”

The party placed the current controversy within the context of broader anti-corruption efforts, referencing the Janneh Commission’s findings that “Jammeh looted over $360 million.” The UDP stated that “recovery efforts have been marred by irregularities” and noted that “audit reports flagged D22.3 million in unaccounted funds and livestock sold at deflated prices, yet no officials have faced consequences.”

The statement posed a question about the government’s anti-corruption capabilities: “If the Barrow government cannot transparently handle Jammeh’s assets, how can it tackle endemic and systemic corruption which wildly mushroomed under his watch?”

The UDP outlined three specific demands:

1. “Immediate release of all buyer names, sale prices, and bidding processes.”
2. “Independent oversight to audit the disposal process, excluding politically compromised bodies.”
3. “Prosecution of officials involved in undervalued sales or conflicts of interest.”

The party concluded its statement by emphasizing the importance of continued public attention to the issue. “Gambians deserve the truth, not another cover-up,” the UDP stated. “As the National Assembly inquiry continues, the UDP urges citizens to remain vigilant. The fight for accountability cannot be deferred—or forgotten.”

The controversy centers on assets seized from former President Jammeh following his departure from power in 2017. The handling of these assets has become a subject of public scrutiny and political debate regarding transparency and governance in post-Jammeh Gambia.

Written by: The Fatu Network Newsroom

Following the announcement of their dismissal from the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) on Saturday, four expelled officials have rejected the move as “meaningless,” telling The Standard exclusively that they plan to form a new political party.

The officials – Youth President Kebba Madi Bojang, Deputy PRO of the Youth Wing Lamin Touray, Co-opted National Executive Member Lamin Jatta, and West Coast Regional Public Relations Officer Sainey Manneh – were removed on Friday, June 20th, after the NPP’s National Executive Committee cited “serious violations of the Constitution and ethical standards” during a meeting at the party’s Bundung headquarters.

The dismissals followed a seven-day ultimatum issued to Bojang over alleged party disloyalty, including his absence from key events and rumors of his involvement in forming the National Democratic Party (NDP).

Speaking to The Standard on behalf of the group, Touray dismissed their former positions as “redundant” and confirmed they are moving forward with the establishment of the NDP, with offices already set up in Farato—signaling a significant split within the ruling party ahead of the upcoming elections.

Written by: The Fatu Network Newsroom

The National People’s Party (NPP) has announced the immediate removal of four party officials, including its Youth President, following what the party described as serious constitutional and ethical violations.

In a press release issued Saturday, the party stated that “following an executive meeting held on Friday, 20th June 2025, at the Party’s headquarters in Bundung, the National Executive Committee unanimously approved a resolution for the immediate removal of the following party officials from their respective positions.”

The dismissed officials are Mr. Kebba Madi Bojang, who served as Youth President; Mr. Lamin Jatta, a Co-opted National Executive Member; Mr. Lamin Touray, Deputy PRO of the Youth Wing; and Mr. Sainey Manneh, Regional Public Relations Officer for the West Coast Region.

According to the party statement, “this decision was taken in response to actions and conduct by the aforementioned individuals deemed to be in serious violation of the Constitution and ethical standards of the National People’s Party.” The release did not specify the nature of the violations that led to the removals.

Deputy Spokesman Seedy S.K. Njie, who signed the statement, emphasized party unity moving forward. “The NPP urges all its members and supporters to remain committed to the core principles, values, and constitution of the Party as we continue to pursue our collective mission of building a prosperous and democratic nation,” the statement read.

The party leadership also expressed gratitude to its membership, stating: “We extend our sincere gratitude to all members and supporters for their unwavering loyalty and dedication to the ideals of the NPP. Let us remain united and steadfast as we advance toward the upcoming electoral cycle with a renewed sense of purpose and solidarity.”

The removals come as political parties in The Gambia prepare for future electoral processes, with the NPP calling for continued unity among its ranks.

Written by: The Fatu Network Newsroom

United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Ousainou Darboe has announced his intention to seek the party’s presidential nomination for 2026 while issuing a public call for unity following days of internal recriminations that have exposed deep divisions within the opposition party.

In a statement released today, Darboe acknowledged that “the last few days have not been our best in the all-important arena of living and demonstrating unity of purpose within our party,” referring to public disputes between party members and supporters that have drawn national attention.

The party leader expressed understanding for supporters who have been “saddened, disappointed and in some instances upset” by the public infighting, which has involved party leaders “in varying degrees and manners.”

Darboe emphasized that the UDP’s three-decade history and foundation built on “the sacrifices of martyrs” demands higher standards from all members. He stressed that “the burden of responsibility rests on the shoulders of every member of the United Democratic Party starting from me to the newest person to join our ranks.”

The statement comes amid escalating tensions between supporters of Darboe and Kanifing Municipality Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda, creating what Banjul Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe has described as two camps within the party: “the Darboe and Bensouda camps.” Recent public disputes have involved other party figures including Brikama Area Council Chairman Yankuba Darboe, who told Mengbe Kereng TV: “Any day they tell me that has changed and it is now Talib, I will find my way somewhere else.”

“Our party is big, it is growing and it is diverse. We are all one family in a big tent with room for every member and supporter,” Ousainou Darboe said, attempting to address concerns about internal divisions.

The UDP leader warned that internal conflicts could undermine the party’s prospects, stating: “Disunity whatever the underlying reasoning one may proffer is a losing proposition for all concerned. It must therefore be avoided at all costs.”

He acknowledged that disagreement and ambition within party ranks are “normal” and “healthy,” but cautioned against allowing these natural political dynamics to fracture party unity.

Darboe also pointed to external opponents who “would want to see our unity and diversity fractured not because they offer better alternatives” but to “seek vindication in our disunity and the potential for failure that it entails.”

Most notably, Darboe formally announced his presidential ambitions, stating: “I intend to put forward my candidature for the Party’s flag bearer position.” This declaration comes as the party grapples with ongoing divisions over leadership succession, with disagreements centering on whether the veteran leader should continue as the party’s presidential candidate or step aside for younger leadership, particularly Bensouda.

He emphasized that the UDP will follow “its stipulated rules for the selection of a flag bearer” and promised to run “a robust, facts-based and issues–focused campaign” if selected to challenge what he described as “the corrupt and insensitive NPP government.”

The statement described the upcoming elections as “a defining moment for The Gambia” and positioned the UDP and its potential allies as “the only choice” to replace the current administration.

Darboe concluded with specific instructions to party members: “Do not be distracted, respect all Gambians, do not fan polarisation of any sort and do not pit one member against another.”

The unity call represents Darboe’s attempt to contain the internal divisions that political analysts have warned could weaken the UDP’s appeal among undecided voters crucial to challenging President Adama Barrow’s National People’s Party in 2026.

Whether this public appeal will successfully heal the rift between different factions within the UDP remains to be seen as the party navigates the delicate balance between managing internal ambitions and presenting a united front to voters.

By: Alieu Jallow

Veteran human rights defender Madi Jobarteh has called for urgent reform in The Gambia’s political parties, warning that deep-rooted stagnation and personality-driven politics are stifling democratic progress in the country.

In a detailed Facebook post reflecting on the ongoing internal friction within the United Democratic Party (UDP), Madi argued that the party’s turmoil is symptomatic of a broader dysfunction that has long plagued Gambian politics.

“The vibrations rumbling in the UDP are nothing new, unexpected, or surprising. Rather, they reflect an outdated system that has characterized our political parties since independence, for which this country has been suffering from bad governance ever since,” Madi Jobarteh wrote.

According to him, the “malaise afflicting the UDP” is not unique but exists across the board, pointing to a common failure in governance, internal democracy, and leadership structures within political parties.

“When any group of people is stagnant and unable to move and evolve, it generates division, injustice, antagonism, and resentment from within,” he noted, adding that internal decay often reduces party politics to “personality, identity, group, and other sectarian interests.”

At the heart of his argument is a firm call for internal democracy, warning that no party can deliver democratic governance unless it first practices democratic values within.

“A political party that is not democratic while in opposition cannot win power and then transform itself into a democratic government immediately on the job. Thus, so long as our political parties are owned or dominated by one person, the party cannot claim to be democratic and viable,” he states.

Madi Jobarteh drew a long list of political parties historically tied to individual leaders:

“UP was PS Njie. PPP was Sir Dawda K. Jawara. NCP was SM. GPP was Assan Musa Camara. PDOIS is Halifa. APRC was AJJ. UDP is Ousainou. NRP is Hamat. GPDP is Henry Gomez. GMC is Ahmad Mai Fatty. GDC is Mamma Kandeh.”

He warned that once these figures leave, their parties often wither or become irrelevant.

“Personalizing political parties, or political parties being overshadowed by an individual, is not democratic. Such an entity does not even qualify to be classified as a political party. It is rather a Kafo at best or a cult at worst,” he states.

While he acknowledges the repressive political atmosphere that defined much of the country’s post-independence period, Jobarteh questioned why reform has not followed the 2016 democratic transition.

“It may be understandable that up until 2016 political parties had weak governance systems, but what is not expected and totally unacceptable is to continue with the same system from 2017 to date. By now, all the political parties should have reformed. Sadly, all the parties failed to reform!” he outlines.

He also proposed specific reforms: instituting term limits for party leaders, separating the role of party leader from that of presidential flag bearer, and introducing stronger, more inclusive governance structures within parties.

“They should avoid decision-making bodies being overtly dominated by a single ethnic group, religion, or region,” he advised, urging transparency in party finances and power decentralization.

Reacting to recent controversial remarks by the Brikama Area Council’s Chairman Yankuba Darboe, Madi sounded critical but equally unsurprised.

“I am disappointed by the uncouth remarks of Chairman Yankuba Darboe. I am not surprised by it at all. The arguments put forward by Nanama Keita and Yunus Hydara are steps towards dismantling stagnancy and autocracy in political parties that should be welcomed by all,” he said.

He emphasized that real democracy goes beyond congresses and structures. It requires values, stressing that creating a semblance of democracy through holding congresses, creating structures, building party bureaus, and taking part in elections does not necessarily indicate true democracy and good governance.

Expressing dismay that the UDP’s top leadership has not changed in nearly three decades, he challenged the party’s younger generation.

“It’s rather disappointing that with the impressive array of its intelligentsia, with diverse national and international experience and expertise, UDP has remained one of the most anachronistic parties in this country. The founders of the party in 1996 remain the leaders of the party in 2025. That is not progress and democracy,” he states.