By: Kemo Kanyi
Gambian political commentator Alagie Saidy-Barrow has issued a stinging critique of the United Democratic Party (UDP), calling on its members to reflect on their motives and the party’s internal turmoil, which he says mirrors the broader failures of Gambian politics.
Saidy-Barrow questioned whether UDP supporters are genuinely committed to national development or simply seeking personal gain. “Are you any better than the hustlers in the APRC/NPP cabal?” he asked, adding that politics in The Gambia has become more about personalities than principles.
He noted that the leadership wrangles currently facing the UDP are not unique, citing past divisions in the PPP, APRC, NPP, and even PDOIS. However, he emphasized that such disputes often stem from a lack of ideological grounding. “When we offer alternatives to our political leaders, it’s often mindlessly based on another personality,” he wrote on his Facebook page.
Saidy-Barrow challenged party members to reflect on why they support certain candidates. “Are you sure it’s not about you and what you stand to gain?” he asked, urging a shift from politics of entitlement to politics of service.
As the UDP faces internal competition among rising figures like Talib Bensouda and Yankuba Darboe, Saidy-Barrow warned that how the party handles this moment will be a test of its readiness to lead. “If you cannot handle internal strife within your party, can we trust your judgment in handling national challenges?” he asked.
He concluded with a call for leadership and transparency: “The UDP does not have the power to buy loyalty. So, how will it build unity from within? We are watching.”
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