Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – During a nationwide tour of industries and farms, President Adama Barrow repeatedly criticized his political rivals, particularly targeting United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Ousainou Darboe. The attacks followed Darboe’s comments on the ferry services on the Banjul-Barra route, which he suggested were indicative of The Gambia being a drifting state.

President Barrow responded, “Just recently, I heard my father express his views, stating that The Gambia is a failed state due to ferry issues and suggesting residents of Niumi and Badibou not to support President Barrow. I will tell my father that I know he’s old now, and that’s why his network is not working. If not, if you say Gambia has failed because the ferries have a problem, I will say ‘Allahu Akbar’. I’ll inform him that the ferry service is operational now. Previously, the journey took an hour, but it’s been reduced to just sixteen minutes.”

While inaugurating one of his party’s political bureaus in the provinces, Barrow boasted about the seriousness of his party and mocked his rivals’ political bureaus, comparing them to small Mauritanian-owned shops.

In response, Talib Ahmed Bensouda, Mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) who also perceived as one of the UDP leaders’ potential successor, criticized Barrow for inciting violence between UDP and National People’s Party (NPP) supporters.

Mayor Bensouda stated, “Yesterday, once more, the president directed his criticisms towards the UDP. Specifically, he targeted the party’s leader, Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, urging supporters of his own NPP party to clash with those of the UDP. It’s unsettling to witness a leader instigating violence among his own citizens, akin to a parent encouraging strife among their own family members. I’ll advise NPP supporters: if any UDP follower violates your rights, refrain from retaliation; instead, report the incident to the authorities.”

Bensouda also addressed Barrow’s comparison of the UDP bureau to a ‘Narr Boutique,’ noting the support Mauritania has provided to The Gambia, including 100 vehicles for a recent OIC event. He questioned why Barrow would demean establishments from a supportive country.

The controversy prompted the Ministry of Information to issue a press release clarifying President Barrow’s remarks. The release stated that Barrow’s comments were made in jest and were misinterpreted by Kerr Fatou Media. The government’s press release stated that the comparison to small shops did not refer to anyone’s background or origin and accused Kerr Fatou Media of making misleading inferences that could threaten social cohesion and national stability.

The press release emphasized the importance of responsible journalism and warned against false reporting that could incite tension and violence, stressing the government’s commitment to transparency and open communication with the public.

As the presidential election in 2026 draws nearer, the rift between President Adama Barrow and his former political mentor Ousainou Darboe appears to be widening. The increasing intensity of their public exchanges highlights a deepening divide that radicalizes their parties’ supporters and the broader political landscape in The Gambia. With the stakes higher than ever, the country watches closely, hoping it is a controlled escalating political tensions.