Gambiaj.com (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The political landscape in Gambia has been shaken following a controversial statement made by President Adama Barrow during a rally in Brikama on Saturday.
President Barrow’s remarks, in which he was heard wishing for the death and burial of United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Ousainou Darboe, have elicited strong reactions from political figures and activists across the nation.
Bakary Bunja Darboe, Leader of the Gambia For All Party
“President Barrow’s unrefined and unacceptable hate speech in Brikama wishing for the death of UDP leader Ousainou Darboe is a serious threat to national security and far beyond acceptable political discourse.”
Essa Mbye Faal, Former Presidential Candidate
“I condemn President Barrow’s offensive remarks towards Ousainou Darboe. Such language has no place in our political discourse, and leaders must uphold civility, respect, and decency.”
Coach Pa Samba Jaw, Human Rights Activist
“President Barrow’s statement about Darboe dying before he gives up the presidency is both vile and dangerous, akin to the threats made by former President Jammeh.”
Mayor of Banjul, Rohey Malick Lowe
“The president’s statement against Ousainou Darboe is unpresidential and divisive. I urge President Barrow to withdraw his statement and apologize to Darboe and the Gambian people.”
Momodou Ndow, Rights Activist
“Barrow’s hateful remarks wishing Darboe’s death and burial are beyond comprehension. He should retract his statement and apologize after crossing the Redline.”
Karamba Touray, Former Auditor General of The Gambia
“The President’s remarks against his former colleague are a new low in our political discourse and must be condemned in the strongest terms.”
Ebrima Dibba, UDP Executive
“Ebrima Dibba to President Barrow: If you disrespect Alhagie Ousainou, we will respond in kind.”
Mc Cham Jnr, UDP Member
“I condemn President Barrow’s hateful statement towards Ousainou Darboe. We call on the President to retract these harmful words and focus on unity and the well-being of the nation.”
Sulayman Camara, NPP Media and Communication Secretary
“The President’s remark was a rhetorical flourish, meant to underscore his confidence in his administration’s policies. It was not intended as a literal threat and should be seen in the context of political discourse.”
The fallout from President Barrow’s statement continues to reverberate across the nation, with many calling for a retraction and apology. As the political discourse heats up, Gambians are left to ponder the implications of such rhetoric on the country’s fragile democracy and social cohesion.
