Banjul, The Gambia – The United Democratic Party (UDP) is grappling with intensifying divisions as loyalists to long-time leader Ousainou Darboe clash bitterly with supporters of Talib Ahmed Bensouda, deepening uncertainty over the party’s flagbearer selection ahead of the 2026 elections.
The rift has spilled onto social media, where Darboe loyalists have accused UDP executives of subjecting their leader to a “humiliating” vetting process despite his decades-long record as The Gambia’s foremost opposition figure.
Party Organizing Secretary Ebrima Dibba has been singled out as an alleged enabler of Bensouda’s candidacy, drawing a barrage of insults from sections of the party’s base.
Breaking his silence, Dibba firmly denied accusations of betrayal, stressing that he has “never abandoned” Darboe. He described the UDP leader as a “golden” figure and dismissed the allegations as “malicious rumors.”
However, Dibba voiced disappointment at the party’s handling of internal disputes, lamenting that he had been left exposed to public attacks despite his long service and sacrifices.
“I believed UDP to be a democratic party since I was young, but the accusations and insults are too much,” Dibba said, warning that the treatment has left him questioning his place in the party.
In an effort to douse tensions, UDP leader Ousainou Darboe issued a conciliatory message urging militants to “chill out and relax” and respect the party’s constitution. He reminded members that internal debates had always been part of UDP’s culture but stressed the need for tolerance and unity once the flagbearer selection concludes.
“After all, when this flagbearer selection is done, we will need to come together to launch an unprecedented campaign to save Gambia from falling off the cliff due to the Barrow government’s incompetence and corruption,” Darboe said.
The crisis has attracted commentary beyond the UDP. Activist Juka Ceesay, leader of the “Barrow Must Go” movement, condemned what she called UDP radicals’ bullying and castigation of dissenting voices.
“Enough is enough! UDP radicals, it’s time to listen to the people. No more bullying, no more castigation,” she wrote, referencing Darboe’s own call for calm as evidence of destructive tendencies within the party.
From the diaspora, Yunus Hydara, a staunch Bensouda supporter, accused Darboe loyalists of plotting to delay the party’s transition until another candidate, Yankuba Darboe, is ready for 2031.
He argued that only Bensouda can deliver a UDP victory in 2026, insisting that Gambians are demanding “youthful energy to lead change.”
Ruling National People’s Party (NPP) members have also weighed in. Ahmad Gitteh, a close ally of President Adama Barrow, mocked UDP’s infighting, noting that the party was “skinning their own once-upon-a-time golden boy, Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda.” He added that beyond Barrow, Bensouda represented UDP’s most significant political success.
As the flagbearer race continues, the widening rift raises questions about UDP’s ability to maintain cohesion and present a united front against President Barrow’s ruling party in 2026.
