Gambiaj.com – (KEREWAN, The Gambia) – NPP stalwart Dr. Demba Sabally has issued a stern warning to citizens planning protests against the presence of ECOMIG forces in the country. Addressing a crowd in Kerewan on Wednesday night, Dr. Sabally criticized the protestors, reminding them of Gambia’s commitment to peace.

Dr. Sabally highlighted the hypocrisy of the protestors, pointing out that their leader, Ousainou Darboe, did not oppose ECOMIG’s presence when he was foreign minister or vice president. “Your leader Ousainou Darboe was foreign minister and ECOMIG was here. Why didn’t he protest? He was vice president and ECOMIG was here. Why didn’t he ask them to leave? Today you want to protest against the presence of ECOMIG troops. You are bent on instigating trouble and we will not allow it,” Dr. Sabally declared.

He further warned, “You can go ahead and hold your WhatsApp conferences but you cannot use the people of Foni. If you come out to protest against ECOMIG, you will know this country is a country of peace. You brought the Three Years Jotna trouble and it was bad for you. During the voter registration also, you crafted a civilian militia and it was bad for you. And you also insult the entire citizens of the country including President Barrow.”

Similarly, President Adama Barrow, speaking from the UDP stronghold of Kerewan, expressed his readiness to face any opponent from the UDP in the 2026 elections. He assured his supporters of a decisive victory against the UDP, which he claimed is currently divided over its leadership.

“It’s clear to everybody that President Barrow is the leader, secretary general and candidate of NPP [for 2026 election]. But for them, they are right now fighting over who should be the candidate. Some say some of them are too old to be the candidate while others say the others are new members who cannot be the candidate. So they should try to fix their party first before they can talk about being president. But I’m ready for any opponent, old or young,” President Barrow confidently stated.

As the political atmosphere intensifies, both Dr. Sabally and President Barrow have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining stability and peace in The Gambia, while also gearing up for the upcoming electoral battle in 2026.