Africa-Press – Gambia. The United Democratic Party (UDP) has criticised the government for what it describes as a lack of transparency surrounding the quiet arrival of Cameroonian opposition figure Issa Tchiroma Bakary in The Gambia.
In a statement issued, the UDP said it was “deeply concerned” that Mr. Bakary, a former senior government official and prominent opposition voice in Cameroon, arrived in the country on 7 November 2025, yet the public was only informed more than two weeks later.
The opposition party argued that the delay in confirming by the government’s own press release issued on Sunday raises serious questions about accountability and respect for the Gambian people’s right to timely information on matters of national importance.
“The manner in which this matter has been handled raises serious questions about transparency and accountability,” the statement said, adding that silence on an issue with diplomatic and security implications was “unacceptable.”
While reaffirming its solidarity with Mr. Bakary and acknowledging The Gambia’s longstanding tradition of granting sanctuary to individuals fleeing persecution, the UDP stressed that humanitarian actions must not be used to justify secrecy.
“We are proud that he can find safe sanctuary in The Gambia for himself and his immediate family,” the party noted. “However, solidarity must not be used as a justification for secrecy or the erosion of democratic accountability.”
UDP called on the government to provide a full briefing to both the National Assembly and the public on the circumstances of Mr. Bakary’s arrival, including the nature of his stay, security arrangements, and any assurances made to foreign governments. It also urged the authorities to commit to proactive communication on issues relating to national security, diplomacy, and public interest.
“The Gambian people deserve governance rooted in honesty, openness, and respect, not selective information issued only when convenient,” the statement concluded.
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