By: Haddy Touray
The National People’s Party (NPP) said the UDP has misrepresented the context and intent of President Adama Barrow’s recent comments, regarding the Mandinka tribe.
The ruling party said its arms are open for political discourseand that it must clarify that the Gambia’s main opposition political party has “unfortunately” misrepresented the context and intent of the president’s remarks.
In a statement signed by NPP’s deputy spokesperson Seedy S.K Njie, NPP said it takes note of the statement issued by the United Democratic Party (UDP), concerning President Adama Barrow’s recent remarks during his engagement with the people of Jarra West, Lower River Region, as part of his Meet The People Tour.
“Contrary to the UDP’s calculated and ill-conceived statement, President Barrow’s remarks were a heartfelt acknowledgment of The Gambia’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity and his deep connection to all communities, including the Mandinka community. As a proud Mandinka himself, President Barrow has no reason to denigrate any tribe, let alone his own. His comments should be understood within the context in which they were made: a call for unity and collective progress. Taking bits and pieces of his statement out of context to create division is not only disingenuous but also detrimental to our shared national values of respect and coexistence,” read the statement.
“As President, H.E. Adama Barrow has always championed unity and inclusivity, striving to bring Gambians together under the shared values of respect and mutual understanding, the claims that he labelled any community as “personal enemies” or exposed them to hate and ostracization are baseless and contrary to his track record as a leader dedicated to national harmony,” added the ruling party’s statement.
“It is worth reiterating that the President’s engagement with the people of Jarra West was in response to the community’s appeal for improved infrastructure, particularly road development. His remarks emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of all Gambians, without prejudice or favouritism. President Barrow’s infrastructural development has consistently been guided by fairness, ensuring that no region or community is left behind. This is a fact that cannot be contested.
“Therefore, it is particularly disheartening that the UDP has sought to draw inflammatory and unfounded comparisons between President Barrow’s leadership and the divisive rhetoric of past regimes. Such claims not only mislead the public but also threaten to undo the progress we have made in strengthening democracy, promoting unity, and healing the divisions of the past.”
NPP said President Barrow’s administration remains committed to its responsibility of serving all Gambians.
“The transformative projects initiated across the country over the past seven years — including in the Lower River Region — are clear evidence of his dedication to national development. The government does not, and will not, use public services as a tool for political favouritism,” explained the party.
NPP pointed out that while constructive criticism is essential for a thriving democracy, the “politicization of every statement and action for partisan gain does little to advance the interests of the Gambian people”.
“At a time when we should be focusing on pressing national challenges such as poverty alleviation, job creation, and national security, all political actors must engage in meaningful dialogue that promotes unity and collective progress,” NPP stressed.
“On that note, the National People’s Party calls on all Gambians to reject divisive rhetoric, particularly those purposefully and intentionally propelled by the UDP, and instead embrace the strength of our diversity. President Barrow remains devoted to his mission to lead with integrity and inclusivity, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their background, benefits from the country’s development. The NPP will continue to advocate for policies and programmes that unite our people, enhance national progress, and uphold the democratic values that bind us as a nation,” it added.
