Africa-Press – Gambia. Ousainu Darboe, Secretary General and leader of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), has sharply criticized President Adama Barrow for his government’s decision to withdraw the nomination of former Justice Minister Bubacarr Ba Tambadou for a seat on the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
In a video published Monday on Camaraba Official, Darboe expressed his disapproval, stating that had he been president, he would not have rescinded Tambadou’s nomination.
“Let’s not talk about tribe—I never have,” Darboe said. “But if it were about tribe, I wouldn’t have endorsed Ba Tambadou. Everyone knows he’s a Sarahule. He’s seeking one of the most prestigious legal positions in the world, and no one can question his qualifications. He’s young, energetic, and capable. I supported him not because of his tribe, but because he’s a competent Gambian whose appointment would bring pride to this country.”
Darboe further criticized the government’s decision to back a Nigerian candidate instead, urging the Sarahule community to reflect on the implications.
“I want the Sarahules to judge for themselves,” he said. “Your son, Ba Tambadou, was in the running for a position sought by the whole world. Yet Adama Barrow chose to withdraw his nomination in favor of a Nigerian. If I were president, I would have stood by him until the voting outcome, not withdrawn his candidacy. This shows Barrow is not serious about national development. As OIC Chair, he could have used that platform to rally support among the 57 member states for Ba Tambadou. Instead, he pulled back.”
Darboe’s comments add to growing criticism of the government’s handling of high-level international nominations, especially those involving qualified Gambians.
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