Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, THE GAMBIA). The United Democratic Party (UDP) has lost one of its most recognisable partisan media voices ahead of the December presidential election, after Bakary Camara, founder and CEO of Camaraba Official, announced his resignation from the opposition party.
Camara, who has for years used social media and his Camaraba Official platform to promote the UDP and defend its political agenda, said he had reached a point where he no longer felt valued within the party.
In an official statement announcing his departure, Camara used a metaphor that appeared to capture his sense of political displacement.
“If you’re no more tasteful in the soup, then quit for a new beginning elsewhere,” he wrote, adding that he had decided not to wait to be told what he described as already being evident.
Camara traced his political involvement with the UDP to 1996, when his late uncle, Famara Camara, introduced him to the party at the family home in Tallinding while he was still in high school.
He said his involvement gradually developed into a passion for politics, and that the emergence of social media later gave him a platform to promote the UDP’s image and agenda both in The Gambia and among Gambians abroad.
“I have given all what it takes with time and energy,” Camara said.
His political activism also helped him develop media skills, which eventually led to the creation of Camaraba Official. He described the platform as having grown into a household name, while acknowledging the contribution of the team members who worked with him over the years.
A Difficult Break With Darboe
Camara’s departure is particularly notable because of his close relationship with UDP leader Ousainou ANM Darboe.
He described Darboe as a father figure who had welcomed him with an open mind and open arms, while acknowledging that their political separation would be difficult.
“I know it will be difficult for both of us to part ways politically,” he said, adding that he believed Darboe’s understanding of democracy would allow him to accept his decision.
Camara did not identify a specific incident or individual as the reason for his resignation. Instead, he referred to prolonged political frustration and said circumstances had forced him to make what he described as one of the most difficult decisions of his political life.
“The only solution to this political agony I have been going through for this long is to take one of the most difficult political decisions and quit for a new beginning,” he said.
He also apologised to anyone he may have wronged and thanked those who had accompanied him throughout his political journey.
UNITE Applauds Former UDP Activist
Camara’s resignation has already drawn a reaction from supporters of UNITE, another opposition political platform preparing for the December election.
Kemo Bojang, a UNITE and UMC executive, described Camara as a veteran whose political contribution had been built over many years.
Bojang said Camara had “earned his scars in the service of both your party and your country” and highlighted his past sacrifices, including imprisonment for The Gambia.
He also recalled Camara’s involvement in the UDP’s 2021 presidential campaign, saying that, like many others, he had given his all in the effort to bring the UDP to power.
“Your sacrifices are part of our political history, and they are well documented,” Bojang said.
The timing of Camara’s departure gives it added political significance. With the December 5 presidential election approaching, the loss of a prominent partisan communicator could deprive the UDP of an experienced social-media operator who has spent years helping shape its online narrative and defend its leadership.
His resignation also illustrates the continuing political realignments within the opposition ahead of an election in which competing parties and alliances are seeking to attract activists, organisers and influential voices from one another.
Camara has not said publicly which political platform, if any, he intends to join next.
Leave a Reply