Africa-Press – Gambia. Ousainu Darboe, the leader of the United Democratic Party, on Tuesday sharpened his criticism of the government’s handling of The Gambia’s strategic assets and framed the 2026 elections as a decisive moment for the country’s future.
Speaking at a news conference at the party’s Manjai Bureau, Mr. Darboe said the UDP remained firmly opposed to what it sees as the mortgaging or surrender of key national infrastructure to foreign interests, singling out the Senegambia Bridge and the Gambia Ports Authority.
“We have spoken against the pledging or the mortgaging of the Senegambia Bridge. We have spoken against it,” he said. “And we have also spoken against the contract or non-contract, the franchising of the Gambia Port Authority, one of our biggest national assets, to foreign interests.”
Mr. Darboe questioned the rationale behind such decisions, suggesting that they may not have been guided solely by the national interest. While stopping short of making direct accusations, he said concerns had been raised about possible personal benefits linked to the transactions.
“Some are saying, although I do not have any evidence, that because of some personal gains, there are some who are deriving from the transaction,” he said. “So I think we should put Gambia above everything, above ourselves.”
The UDP leader said public opinion was increasingly aligning with the party’s warnings, noting that criticisms once dismissed as obstructionist were now being echoed more widely.
“When we spoke against these things, people thought we were just being impossible, that these are losers and they have nothing better to say against this government,” he said. “But alas, we see a lot of people are also thinking the way we have thought.”
Looking ahead to the 2026 presidential election, Mr. Darboe appealed to voters to back the UDP, promising what he described as experienced and principled leadership.
“I believe that 2026 will see the creation of a new Gambia,” he said. “Every Gambian who really believes that this country needs good leadership, committed leadership, and tested leadership will vote for the United Democratic Party.”
He underscored the party’s claim to transparency and accountability, insisting that its decisions had always been guided by the national interest. “At no time have we taken a decision that was self-serving. Decisions that have been taken by us have always been in the best interest of the country.”
Mr. Darboe also called for closer engagement with the media in the coming year, urging journalists to help convey the party’s positions and proposed alternatives to the public.
“For the new year, the United Democratic Party looks forward to really working with the press for the dissemination of our positions, our views, our concerns, and whatever solutions or alternatives we may provide,” he said.
As he closed the briefing, he wished Gambians a happy new year and expressed confidence that the country stood on the cusp of change. “I wish you all a happy new year and a commitment by every Gambian that 2026, Gambia will be redeemed,” he said.
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