Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – A shocking video circulating on Gambian social media platforms since Sunday morning has sent tremors through the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), showing one of its female militants, Madam Fatou Conta, being physically assaulted by fellow party members during what was ironically billed as a “Reconciliation rally” in Yundum.
The viral footage captures Madam Conta, dressed in UDP’s signature yellow regalia, being attacked by at least four other female militants as bystanders—also in party outfits—watched in silence or passivity.
The incident, which took place in full public view, has triggered widespread outrage and raised uncomfortable questions about internal discipline, tolerance, and the culture of political engagement within The Gambia’s leading opposition party.
A Party Turning on Its Own?
The rally, intended to heal internal rifts among rival factions within UDP, instead turned into a spectacle of intra-party violence. While the full extent of Madam Conta’s injuries remains unclear, what is evident is her helplessness in the face of mob aggression.
This disturbing scene is further compounded by reactions from known UDP supporters on social media, some of whom justified the assault by accusing Madam Conta of years of provocation and verbal attacks against other militants.
But critics argue that such rationalizations dangerously normalize political violence. “No amount of provocation justifies what was done to her,” one prominent UDP sympathizer posted, adding, “We cannot ask for justice in national politics while practicing brutality in our own backyard.”
As the public outcry intensified, many turned their attention to the UDP leadership’s conspicuous silence, for a party that is prompt to react to the ruling NPP mishaps.
At the time of this publication, only Honourable Yahya Menteng Sanyang, the UDP National Assembly Member for Latrikunda Sabiji Constituency, condemned the incident on his Facebook page: “Violence against anyone is unacceptable and must be unequivocally condemned,” Hon. Sanyang wrote.
According to him, such actions undermine the democratic process and the safety of individuals. “We call for a thorough investigation into this incident and for all parties to uphold peace and respect in political discourse,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the party has yet to issue a statement, over 24 hours after the assault, condemning the violence or outlining disciplinary measures against those responsible.
The lack of immediate action has further fueled suspicions of selective tolerance or, worse, tacit approval of such behavior within party ranks.
This inaction not only threatens to undermine the UDP’s credibility as a disciplined and democratic force but also exposes it to further scrutiny from both the public and its political adversaries.
With a legacy built in part on a moral high ground against impunity and abuse of power, the UDP’s slowness to address the incident swiftly may erode trust among supporters and the wider electorate.
Calls have grown for Madam Conta to file a formal complaint.
Civil society voices and legal commentators have emphasized that the matter goes beyond party discipline—it is a criminal offense under Gambian law. The Constitution guarantees every citizen protection from violence, regardless of political affiliation.
Calls have grown for Madam Conta to file a formal complaint and for the Inspector General of Police to launch an independent investigation.
“This is not just a UDP issue. It’s a law and order issue,” a retired magistrate within the UDP ranks noted. “The Gambia Police Force must act decisively to send a clear message that no one is above the law, even within political parties.”
The timing of the incident could not be worse for the UDP. Already grappling with internal tensions over the potential succession of longtime leader Ousainou Darboe, the party recently witnessed an open rift between prominent figures such as Mayor Talib Bensouda and Brikama Area Council Chairman Yankuba Darboe.
That feud, viewed by many as a battle over the future direction of the party, had barely subsided when this violent episode occurred.
Worse still, it reinforces a damaging narrative long associated with UDP—of tribal exclusivity, public insults, and political intolerance—one the party has consistently tried to shed in recent years.
Though its supporters have often prided themselves on discipline and strategic organization, this incident risks overshadowing those strengths and alienating swing voters ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The assault on Madam Fatou Conta is more than an isolated act of violence—it is a mirror reflecting deeper problems within the UDP’s internal structure and political culture.
Unless the party leadership swiftly condemns the act, disciplines the perpetrators, and reaffirms its commitment to non-violence and respect for individual rights, it risks forfeiting its moral authority and losing the confidence of both its base and the broader Gambian public.
The coming hours will test not just the party’s rhetoric but its values.
