Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Ousainou Darboe has strongly criticized the Inspector General of Police (IGP) over the transfer of police officer Binta Njie to the provinces, alleging that the move was politically motivated and meant to punish her for standing up for her community.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Darboe accused the police of unfairly targeting Njie after she spoke out against a controversial statement made by Baboucarr Bahoum, a supporter of President Adama Barrow’s National People’s Party (NPP). Bahoum had reportedly made derogatory remarks about the people of Kiang, an opposition stronghold, sparking outrage among residents.

“We have the Baboucarr Bahoum Binta Njie situation. They are not fortunate, very, very unfortunate,” Darboe said. “What Mr. Baboucarr Bahoum did was outrageous and unacceptable. You do not insult an entire community. And the IGP says he is satisfied with Bahoum’s apology? That should not be his position.”

Darboe urged the police to take legal action against Bahoum, arguing that his remarks could incite tensions in Kiang. “Any statement that raises disaffection or discontent among Gambians is seditious. The IGP should arrest Bahoum, interrogate him properly, and refer the matter to the Attorney General,” he asserted.

He further defended Binta Njie, insisting that her transfer was a retaliatory act against an officer who merely expressed disapproval of Bahoum’s remarks. “She has the right, as a Kianka, to say that such statements should not be condoned. The circumstances under which she was transferred indicate that it was meant as a punishment,” he stated.

Darboe also claimed that politically motivated police transfers were not limited to Njie, revealing that his own son-in-law, a well-qualified officer, was among those being reassigned unfairly. He warned that the politicization of police appointments and promotions was reminiscent of the practices Gambians had rejected in 2016 when they voted out former President Yahya Jammeh.

“This is not what we bargained for, President Barrow,” he said. “We removed Jammeh because we wanted a system based on meritocracy, not one where political affiliation determines transfers and promotions.”

Darboe called on the IGP to reverse Njie’s transfer and ensure that the police force remains professional and impartial. “You should not punish officers for standing with their communities against injustice,” he concluded.