Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) leader Mama Kandeh has spoken following a recent call by the National People’s Party (NPP) stalwart Demba Sabally for Kandeh to join President Adama Barrow’s ruling coalition. The suggestion has sparked a flurry of exchanges between Kandeh and his political critics, prompting the GDC leader to issue a WhatsApp audio message on Sunday to reassure his supporters and clarify his stance.
In the audio, Kandeh addressed persistent rumors that he is cozying up to President Barrow, rejecting claims that he has any secret agenda or personal animosity with the president.
“We have no personal issues, and we’ve never even argued since childhood,” Kandeh said, adding that he is not in conflict with Halifa Sallah, Ousainou Darboe, or any other Gambian political figure. “What matters is The Gambia and the welfare of its people,” he stressed.
Kandeh also expressed his willingness to collaborate with any political party, including the ruling NPP, if it serves the greater good and ensures peace and stability.
However, he stopped short of endorsing a formal alliance with President Barrow, insisting that any real collaboration must be initiated through genuine dialogue and not public pressure.
He recounted the political attacks he faced when he launched his party in 2016, recalling how rumors circulated that he was a “Trojan horse” planted by former dictator Yahya Jammeh. “Some even said I was so close to Jammeh that we would exchange wardrobes,” Kandeh joked.
Six months ago, similar speculations prompted Kandeh to further explain the circumstances of his meeting with President Barrow, which occurred a few months after the 2021 presidential election.
He said he had sought the president’s help to secure scholarships for about 3,000 Gambian students, a request Barrow reportedly agreed to.
Meanwhile, President Barrow has not let up in his public appeals for Kandeh to join his government, sometimes suggesting that Kandeh’s refusal stems from envy.
The president recently called on residents of Jimara, the district he shares with Kandeh, to shun the GDC leader if he does not come on board.
Kandeh countered that if President Barrow truly wants to work together, he should initiate a direct discussion rather than using public platforms to push for an alliance.
The ongoing public exchanges between the two have only fueled speculation about a political “will-they-or-won’t-they” dynamic.
As The Gambia watches this evolving saga, Kandeh’s message was clear: he stands ready to cooperate for the country’s sake but will not be rushed or cajoled into any political union without a proper, respectful conversation.
