Africa-Press – Gambia. United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Ousainou Darboe has called on Gambians to support his party in the upcoming elections, pledging to fight corruption and reform the country’s security sector.
Addressing supporters, Darboe stressed the urgent need for accountability in government and law enforcement. He said a UDP-led administration would prioritize responsible policing to prevent incidents of brutality and impunity.
“I am offering myself because I want to assure you that we will have responsible security in our country,” Darboe said.
He condemned the recent killing of Omar Badjie during a police operation, describing it as a tragic consequence of unchecked misconduct. “Can you imagine police officers conducting a search that ends with nothing but the death of a young man?” he asked, while extending condolences to the bereaved family. He called for a thorough investigation and for those responsible to be held accountable.
Darboe also expressed doubts about the current government’s commitment to reform, pointing to the Faraba incident and the failure to implement recommendations from its commission of inquiry. He argued that the police continue to act outside legal limits despite repeated calls for reform.
“We are not disputing that criminals should be arrested,” Darboe said, “but it must be done in accordance with the law.”
The UDP leader assured voters that his party would prioritize security sector reforms if elected. He said his candidacy is driven by service to the Gambian people rather than personal ambition.
“I am not running for fame; I already have a name. I am not running to make money either. I am running because Gambians deserve a better government than the one they have today,” he stated.
Darboe further criticized the administration for passing what he described as a flawed anti-corruption law, noting that it shields past misconduct from scrutiny. “Can you imagine a government establishing an anti-corruption commission but inserting a clause preventing investigations into allegations dating back to 2017 up to the day of its signing?” he asked.
He urged Gambians to vote for the UDP to “end corruption, stop impunity, and deliver the accountable government the country deserves.”
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