(BANJUL, The Gambia) – At a press conference on Monday, Ousainou Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), voiced strong criticisms against President Adama Barrow’s administration, highlighting a perceived lack of action and transparency regarding corruption.
Darboe expressed his frustration over President Barrow’s silence on corruption, noting, “I do not remember when President Adama Barrow talked about corruption, even in the State of the Nation’s Address. If he mentions it, it will just be two lines.”
Former Minister Abba Sanyang and the Kamalo Scandal
He questioned the status of investigations into former Minister Abba Sanyang’s departure and land allocations in the Kamalo area, which have not been publicly addressed since Sanyang left office nearly a year ago.
The UDP leader emphasized the importance of addressing these issues to maintain public trust in the government. He stated, “It is crucial for transparency and accountability to be upheld in such matters to maintain the trust of the people in the government.”
Darboe also accused the government of withholding information to protect influential figures involved in corruption, saying, “We of the United Democratic Party believe that in Abba Sanyang’s case, not only nothing was done about it, but because if it was pushed, several other people would get stained, tainted, and mentioned, and they would be Abba Sanyang’s accomplices.”
Darboe alleges President Barrow illegally acquired government property
In a direct challenge to President Barrow, Darboe demanded clarity on the ownership of a government property on South Atlantic Road, which he claimed should be reserved as the official residence of the Chief Justice. He alleged that the property might have been allocated to President Barrow or a close associate, calling for a full disclosure.
“Mr. President, we want to know today who owns that property. We want you to make a full and strong disclosure. Because that is not my property. That is not a layout. And that property should be reserved as the official residence of the Chief Justice,” Darboe insisted.
“Because if you are fighting corruption, you yourself must not get involved in transactions that are questionable. You must be like Caesar’s wife, above board. I ask you, Mr. President, to clear the air. Because when we pounce on Jaiteh, the permanent secretary, and the others, not that what they have done is right. What they have done is wrong. That’s why they have been tried. If you really can pounce on Bamba Baja for $50,000, then government property is alleged to have been taken by you, and we have to have something clear about that,” the UDP leader insisted.
The political bureaus challenge
Darboe also raised concerns about alleged misuse of government resources for personal gain and political advantage. He called on President Barrow to disclose the identities of businessmen allegedly financing the construction of various political bureaus for the president and his party.
“If you are fighting corruption, you yourself must not get involved in transactions that are questionable. You must be like Caesar’s wife, above board. I ask you, Mr. President, to clear the air,” Darboe stated.
The UDP leader concluded his address by asserting the need for transparent governance and urging the president to address these issues openly. “We want to say that your government is being corrupted. Your party is being corrupted. That is what we want to say unless you can tell that the money comes from clear sources,” Darboe said.
The press conference highlighted ongoing concerns about corruption in The Gambia, with calls for greater accountability from the highest levels of government.
