By Haddy Touray
United Democratic Party (UDP) Secretary General and party leader ANM Ousainu Darboe has pledged that a UDP-led government would guarantee greater political, economic and social inclusion for Gambians living abroad.
Speaking on the party’s Diaspora Engagement and Participation Commitment, Darboe said Gambians abroad have made significant contributions to national development through remittances, investments and community support, but have for decades been excluded from meaningful participation in the country’s political and developmental processes.
He said The Gambia extends beyond its geographical borders to include all Gambians wherever they live, whether in Africa, Europe, North America or elsewhere.
“For decades, our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora have sustained families, built homes, educated children, supported communities, and kept the Gambian economy afloat through their hard-earned remittances,” the 2026 Presidential Flag-bearer said.
He argued that the country’s development would remain incomplete without the full participation of the Diaspora in political and economic affairs, describing inclusion as a matter of justice, partnership and nation-building.
Darboe said a UDP government would guarantee voting rights for eligible Gambians living abroad in presidential and parliamentary elections, referenda and other elections open to qualified voters.
He said his party would work with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to establish secure and accessible Diaspora voting mechanisms, including voting at Gambian embassies, consulates and other approved locations.
The UDP leader also pledged to reform legal provisions that prevent qualified dual citizens from serving the country, arguing that citizenship should be based on loyalty, competence and commitment rather than documentation alone.
He said a UDP administration would allow qualified dual citizens to contest National Assembly elections under clearly defined rules, including the establishment of Diaspora constituencies to provide Gambians abroad with direct legislative representation.
On economic empowerment, Darboe said the Diaspora should not only be viewed as a source of remittances but as a strategic partner in national development.
He promised equal access for Gambians abroad to investment opportunities in agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, housing, infrastructure, digital innovation and the creative industries.
A UDP government, he added, would introduce Diaspora Bonds, reduce remittance transaction costs and work with financial institutions to create savings and investment products tailored to Diaspora needs.
Darboe also announced plans to establish a Diaspora Think Tank comprising Gambian professionals and technocrats abroad to provide policy advice, research and technical support to national development programs.
He said his party would engage experts in key sectors including infrastructure, health, education, public finance, technology and digital governance, while promoting skills transfer programs.
On institutional reforms, Darboe pledged to strengthen the Diaspora Affairs Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad by providing it with clearer responsibilities, resources and authority.
He also promised stronger consular services, Diaspora representation in national planning processes, a national Diaspora skills and investment database, and reintegration programmes for Gambians wishing to return home.
The UDP leader stressed that the party’s approach would focus on inclusion of Diaspora women and youth through mentorship, entrepreneurship and innovation programmes.
“Under a UDP-led government, the Diaspora will not be seen as an ATM, not as an afterthought, but as a strategic national development partner of value,” Darboe said.
He said transparency, accountability and fairness would guide all government engagements with Gambians at home and abroad, adding that the policy represents a commitment to ensuring that no Gambian is left behind in national development.