Leader of opposition Gambia Democratic Party (GDC) Mamma Kandeh has observed that Gambian leader Adama Barrow has dictatorial tendencies, saying that instead of privatizing development needs and strengthening the young democracy, he is focusing on second term and dividing the nation by inviting regional and tribal groups.
In a statement made available to The Voice yesterday, Kandeh quoted the Gambian leader saying “Gambians were afraid of former President Yahya Jammeh because he had the Police, Army, and National Intelligence Agency. I have more power because I have the Police, army, State Intelligence Service and the regional ECOMIG forces.”
Over the weekend thousands supporters from West Coast turned up at State House to express solidarity and send a simple clear message that ‘‘we are with you, Mr. President!’’
Addressing the crowd, President Barrow assumed his rightful role as the Unifier-In-Chief of the country highlighting that being the president of the republic he is responsible for the welfare and wellbeing of all and sundry, irrespective of ethnolinguistic, regional or political affiliations.
GDC leader Kandeh regard the statement as repulsive and threatening in the most callous manner by invoking that ECOMIG forces are here for President Barrow and he can possibly use the regional peacekeeper to take repressive measures against the Gambian people.
“In the spirit of national reconciliation and social cohesion, and aware of the fact that I am everyone’s president, I wish to tell the people of Foni that they are part of my family. I will never overlook you or anyone for development simply because you are not with me’’, President Barrow told the delegation from West Coast region.
Kandeh remind President Barrow that ECOMIG forces are here for the security for the security of every Gambian and not as a tool at his disposal to suppress and threaten Gambians.
“I call on the ECOWAS, AU, EU and the US to dialogue with President Adama Barrow to desist from issuing such threats to the people of this nation. We have a young democracy to nurture and a nation to build”, he concluded