By Haddy Touray
The Gambia Police Force (GPF) has confirmed the arrest of former National People’s Party (NPP) West Coast Region executive Fanding Baldeh, saying the action was linked to a traffic offence rather than the political message displayed on his vehicle.
Baldeh was taken into police custody on Thursday after officers from the Kanifing Mobile Traffic Unit visited his residence in Brikama.
Before accompanying the officers, Baldeh posted on his Facebook page that he had been summoned over the “No to Third Term” slogan displayed on the rear of his pickup truck.
“Men from the Police Traffic Brigade are at my door that I am supposed to answer at the Mobile Traffic Headquarters at Kanifing,” he wrote.
He said the commanding officer informed him that the matter concerned the political inscription on his vehicle.
“He confirmed it is about what is written behind my pickup, ‘No to Third-Term’. I further asked whether it was an arrest or an invitation; he said it was an invitation. I am trying to hold on to my lawyer. Democracy at risk! Dictatorship sprouting! Politically motivated!” Baldeh stated.
Baldeh alleged that the police action was politically motivated and linked solely to the anti-third-term slogan on his vehicle.
However, GPF Public Relations Officer Momodou Sisawo said the arrest was connected to Baldeh allegedly driving a vehicle without a registration number plate.
Sisawo said the operation was carried out by officers of the Mobile Traffic Unit but did not confirm whether Baldeh had been formally charged or issued with a traffic fine.
The incident has attracted public attention amid growing political debate over presidential term limits ahead of The Gambia’s 2026 presidential election.
As of the time of filing this report, the police had not issued a detailed statement addressing Baldeh’s allegation that his arrest was prompted by the political message displayed on his vehicle.
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