Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) leader, Hon. Mama Kandeh, has called on Gambians to reject President Adama Barrow’s bid for a third term, asserting that the presidency is effectively over for the National People’s Party (NPP) leader. Kandeh’s appeal came during an event at a Senegambia hotel where new party members were welcomed into the GDC.
Addressing the gathering, Kandeh responded sharply to President Barrow’s recent suggestion that his son could eventually succeed him as NPP leader. “From today, let us stand firm against Barrow’s third-term ambition. I heard he’s dreaming, saying his son will succeed him. Before he thinks of his son, he should reflect on himself first. Whether he accepts it or not, his presidency is over—it’s God’s will,” Kandeh said, emphasizing the need for political change. He cited the economic struggles in regions like Basse, where women have resorted to selling charcoal to survive, as evidence of the country’s deteriorating condition.
The GDC leader further accused the NPP of exploiting women in the Upper River Region (URR) by compelling them to buy party membership cards priced at D150 to access development projects. “The president and his party seem oblivious to the struggles women face, as they continue to take advantage of their hard-earned efforts,” Kandeh stated. He denounced this practice as antithetical to genuine compassion for women and called on Gambians to witness the situation for themselves.
Kandeh also raised concerns about the significant presence of foreign security forces and their numerous checkpoints, questioning the implications for national sovereignty. “I have no issue with Barrow bringing in foreign forces for his protection, but why so many checkpoints? Since their arrival, how many of our people have been killed in Foni? Are they not Gambian citizens? Now our people are being taken to Senegal and mistreated. It’s as if The Gambia is no longer a sovereign state,” he said, stressing that peace and security should be safeguarded by Gambians for Gambians.
Highlighting the state of the energy sector, Kandeh lamented The Gambia’s reliance on electricity sourced from Senegal under Barrow’s administration, a situation he described as an erosion of the country’s sovereignty. “Gambia has lost her sovereignty to Senegal under this regime. Senegal is our neighbor, and we are two sovereign states. We do not hate Senegal, but The Gambia is a state of its own,” he said.
Kandeh urged the government to provide transparency regarding the $16 million debt owed to Senegal for electricity supply, questioning why ordinary Gambians, who pay for their electricity in advance, are bearing this financial burden. “Currently, we owe Senegal $16 million in electricity arrears. All ordinary Gambians are buying cash power to be able to use electricity. How do we owe Senegal such an amount? Why can’t the government tell us how we are indebted to Senegal in this hefty amount?” Kandeh asked, pointing out that deductions on electricity purchases were contributing to the debt repayment without tangible benefits for citizens.
He further recalled President Barrow’s unmet promises, including his initial pledge to step down after three years and his vow not to form a political party. “When he was coming to power, he promised to step down after three years. When he was reminded by Gambians, the result became tear-gassing. He promised not to contest for election after three years. He promised not to form a political party. Did he fulfill any of this?” Kandeh questioned, urging voters to consider Barrow’s track record when heading to the polls in 2026.
The GDC leader concluded by calling on Gambians to prioritize national interest and vote out the current administration to initiate meaningful change.
