Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The leader of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), Mama Kandeh, has issued a strong warning to members of the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), cautioning them to stop insulting opposition figures or face a fierce response from his party’s supporters.
Speaking to supporters, Kandeh said the GDC has long maintained a reputation for politeness in political engagement but warned that the party would not hesitate to retaliate if its leaders continue to be insulted.
“All those who know GDC can attest to the politeness of our militants. If you don’t want us to insult your leader, then don’t insult other people’s leaders,” Kandeh said. “NPP is not better than anyone here, from the president downwards. They’re not better or more powerful than anyone.”
He warned that if the insults continue, GDC supporters will respond forcefully in kind.
“If they don’t stop insulting people, we will stampede on them and insult them, and nothing shall happen,” he said, urging NPP leaders to caution their supporters.
Despite the tough rhetoric, Kandeh insisted he was not encouraging insults in politics, emphasizing that criticism of political leaders is legitimate but personal attacks against family members are unacceptable.
“If you feel like criticizing me as a politician, you have all the right to criticize me because you’re not my supporter,” he said. “But you have no right to insult my father or my mother. Nobody has that right.”
Kandeh also addressed remarks previously attributed to President Adama Barrow, saying no political leader should believe others are intimidated by state power.
“I’m calling on the president who once asked his people not to be afraid of anything since they have the soldiers, the police, and the government with them,” Kandeh said. “But I’m stating it here that there is no one, beginning from him, whom we are afraid of.”
The GDC leader maintained that his party believes politics should promote unity and development but stressed that it would stand its ground if provoked.
“We can give respect because we’re not trained and groomed to insult people,” he said. “But if anyone insults us, we are not afraid to stand our ground.”
With the country heading into an election year, Kandeh called on all political parties to safeguard the peaceful reputation of The Gambia.
“I’m inviting all political parties to keep and preach the peace The Gambia is known for,” he said. “Peace is our most valued treasure.”
Kandeh also urged GDC militants to turn out in large numbers to register during the supplementary voter registration exercise being conducted by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
He said increased voter registration among party supporters would be crucial as the country prepares for the upcoming electoral cycle.
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