By Haddy Touray
The United Democratic Party (UDP) has raised concerns over what it described as a growing trend of political profiling and discrimination against individuals perceived to be associated with the party.
In a statement issued by its Administrative Secretary for Media and Communications, Saikou Camara, the party referred to recent public comments involving Ousainou Bojang and his sister, Amie Bojang, as well as remarks by Gambia Football Federation (GFF) presidential aspirant Kemo Ceesay.
According to the UDP official, accounts presented during an interview on Kerr Fatou suggested that during police investigations, there were attempts to associate Ousainou Bojang and his sister with the party and link the UDP to the killing of police officers.
The statement also cited comments by Kemo Ceesay during an interview on Bitilo, alleging that GFF President Lamin Kaba Bajo declined to support his candidacy because of his perceived political affiliation.
Camara argued that these incidents reflected a wider pattern in which membership or perceived support for the UDP had become a basis for suspicion and exclusion.
He said political affiliation is a constitutional right and should not be used as a basis to deny citizens opportunities or subject them to unfair treatment.
“Supporting a political party is not a crime. It is a constitutional right. No Gambian should be denied opportunities, profiled by law enforcement, or treated as a suspect merely because of their political beliefs,” he said.
The UDP official recalled the party’s history, stating that its members and supporters had endured various forms of hardship in the past, including arrests, harassment and other challenges while advocating for democratic governance and the rule of law.
He said a democracy cannot thrive when citizens are judged based on political beliefs rather than their conduct, competence and contribution to society.
“The real danger to our democracy is not the existence of opposition parties. The real danger is the normalization of political discrimination,” Camara stated.
He urged public institutions and individuals in positions of authority to uphold fairness and ensure that all citizens are treated equally regardless of political affiliation.
The UDP reaffirmed its commitment to democratic values, constitutional rights and building a society where all citizens can participate freely in national affairs.