By Binta Jaiteh
Veteran philanthropist Momodou Turo Darboe has warned Gambians against supporting politicians who exploit tribal sentiments and accused some politicians of pursuing personal interests rather than serving the public.
Darboe made the remarks while addressing supporters in Bakau on Monday, as the country prepared for the 5 December presidential election.
He described politicians who only appear in communities shortly before elections as opportunists, urging citizens to scrutinize their records and vote in the national interest.
“This is why I said I am not a politician. Politicians can stay for four years without seeing the people. They only come once in a blue moon, provide citizens with D5,000 and disappear. They vanish when their problem is solved,” he alleged.
Darboe said he had supported various political parties over the years but claimed that successive governments had not supported his philanthropic activities.
“No one has ever supported me, especially the government. I am doing this because of the love I have for Gambians, not for anything else,” he said.
He said he had been supporting communities since the era of former President Yahya Jammeh, including through the construction of boreholes and other community-based projects.
Darboe challenged political aspirants seeking public office to account for their contributions to national development before asking citizens for their votes.
“Anyone who comes to seek power should be asked what he or she has done for the country. We should be united in order to develop the country. Ethnicity politics should be condemned. It only divides us,” he remarked.
He also blamed citizens for allowing politicians to exploit divisions within communities, saying some politicians promote disunity and hatred to advance their political interests.
“When they are elected, they only benefit their families. We only clap, but the benefit goes to them. What is the use of us fighting for people who only have individual interests?” he asked.
Darboe urged voters to remain vigilant as politicians intensify their outreach ahead of the elections.
“We are in a critical period as the elections approach. They are entering houses every day trying to win the votes of the people. Don’t listen to them. Vote in the interest of the country,” he told Gambians.