By Buba Gagigo
Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, Secretary General, and Party Leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has voiced strong disapproval of President Barrow’s use of power in executing the operation to clear the roads.
In his critique, Darboe questioned the recent actions in the Gambia, highlighting the demolition of houses and the destruction of stalls without prior warning to the affected individuals. He pointed out that citizens had followed proper procedures in obtaining approvals for construction, only to be displaced later.
“Today, everyone knows what’s happening in the Gambia. How many houses have they demolished in the country in the past weeks? How many stalls were destroyed? They have never informed them not to build at those structures. If people are building houses, they do all the plans. They (the government) approve all that and come and displace you again. If it’s about congestion, they could have use other roads as one way so that they will not destroy anyone’s house.
Darboe suggested alternative solutions, such as using other roads as one-way routes to address congestion without resorting to property destruction. He recalled President Barrow’s statement in Mankamang Kunda, where he expressed the intent to wield power upon his return, emphasizing that this declaration is being manifested through the demolition of houses and displacement of market vendors.
Expressing concern about the future, Darboe cautioned against supporting President Barrow in the 2026 elections, predicting that the situation could worsen. He argued that power should be wielded for the benefit of citizens, promoting a governance style that alleviates rather than exacerbates the plight of the people.
“But Adama said in Mankamang Kunda that he will use his power when he comes back, and that’s exactly what he’s doing. That is to destroy your houses, displace you in the market. How can you give that person a chance in 2026? What he will do will be worse than that. Because he will say people gave him that power. But it should be power that should benefit citizens, power that will not make people cry,” Darboe said.
Darboe made these remarks during a meeting with the United Democratic Party’s TikTokers at the party’s Pipeline bureau.
