Karafa Yaya Sonko - National Campaign Manager United Democratic Party

RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT’S RECENT CLAIMS

The United Democratic Party wishes to register its disappointment, yet again, in the President of the Republic who seems to only find time to engage in political bickering than address the growing concerns of the citizens and the dire economic realities of the country.

As the chief custodian of the law, we expect the President of the Republic to exercise utmost restraint and refrain from commenting on an ongoing commission of inquiry set up by his own administration to probe the financial management of local government administrations. It is inappropriate for the president to offer any opinions on an ongoing commission of inquiry thereby potentially undermining both their inquiries and credibility. He knows this, because in his latest obsession about the UDP and its leadership, he stated, “I do not want to comment on an ongoing investigation, but…” and went ahead and did anyway.

The leader of the UDP, His Excellency ANM Ousainu Darboe is within his rights, both as citizen and a voice for hundreds of thousands of Gambians, to speak up and raise concerns against the conduct of the current administration and the widespread corruption that this administration has become synonymous with. There is more than enough corruption, maladministration and failures in every facet of our country to speak about. H.E Darboe knows better than to undermine ongoing investigations just to score political points.

Just like the president, the local governments across the country are spearheaded by elected representatives who won their seats through the democratic process and earned the votes, the respect, and trust of Gambians in their immediate and wider communities. Those Gambians deserve their choices to be respected and treated as extensions of their collective aspirations.

The UDP is proud of its representatives in local governments across the country in their various capacities as elected ward representatives, Mayors, and Chairmen for the fantastic jobs they have done and continue to do for their constituents despite the central government’s lack of political will to empower or support them. These young leaders have shown what it means to be an effective leader by unifying their councils to focus on issues of concern to their constituents. Despite their political differences, they have consistently worked together to address difficult issues, all thanks to the sound leadership of their elected Chairmen and Mayors, which is a far cry from the president’s own divisive leadership and an unhealthy obsession with personality and identity politics.

We advise the President to borrow a leaf from the books of these young leaders and serve to be a unifying figure rather than the divisive one he chooses to be. But instead of being a unifying figurehead and seeking better working relations with the local councils, the President seems more interested in holding personal grudges, vendettas and a self-assigned mandate of political point scoring to the detriment of meaningful and impactful policy actions. Worse yet, is his failure to recognize that these elected leaders, just like himself, represent Gambian citizens of diverse political persuasions, all of whom deserve to be treated with respect and care because power is theirs and it was entrusted with hopes that those entrusted with it will make life better for them and their families. We are proud that UDP elected officials are doing their best to deliver that.

Gambians have long memories, especially in the internet age, and they can fully recall when the President’s administration, through the local government ministry sought to impose on the people of Kanifing municipality a public servant found wanting in corruption, to the point of causing damage to public property just to undermine the constitutional authority of the mayor for political reasons. When all failed, that official was reassigned to another council headed by an affiliate of the President rather than give his support to credible findings and apply the law.

Similar cases are true for Banjul when the first female Mayor of the country was sidelined in the roads rehabilitation project just because she was elected on a UDP ticket. The current Chairman of the largest municipality is being undermined through incessant court appearances for old charges just because he dared to stand up to corrupt officials within his council.

In fact, all councils with current or past elected leaders who got elected on the UDP ticket faced similar challenges, yet they marched on for their constituents despite all the obstacles placed in their path.

We knew from the onset that the government’s intentions in setting up these commissions were motivated only by political goals and not a sincere desire to promote efficiency and good governance at the local level. Despite our reservations, we respect the institution of state and urge all Gambians to follow with keen interest, the revelations being made at these commissions.

The irony is that as much as the president wants H.E Darboe to shift his focus to this ongoing commission of inquiry, the corruption and financial mismanagement that has marred local government authorities, that the commissions are bringing to light, almost entirely involves executive and financial officials appointed through the central government. When such officials are called to account, the central government steps in to back their corrupt practices but wants to turn around and blame the elected leadership for the failures of its own appointed officials.

The Gambian people expect better from the president. But without fail, every opportunity he gets to be a leader of worth, he proves to The Gambian people that he is more interested in personality and vindictive politics and not deserving of the honor and privilege entrusted to him. And that is the legacy he is building for himself. A legacy that will overshadow any good he thinks he may be doing, and history will remember that.



UDP MEDIA TEAM

Look at the difference: President Barrow doesn’t care about the people!

This is the reality we’re living under his administration. The first image shows the NPP regional bureau—well-built and maintained with no shortage of resources. Meanwhile, the second image is the Barra Police Station, flooded and neglected, with no proper infrastructure to serve the community.

Instead of investing in our essential services, like the police stations that protect us, Barrow’s government prioritizes their party offices. Is this the kind of leadership we deserve? It’s time we stand up and demand better for our people.

UDP'S RESPONSE TO THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE

The United Democratic Party is concerned by the misleading information given by the Minister of Justice, Hon. Dawda Jallow on Coffee Time on Tuesday 27th August 2024 and also during the press conference at the Ministry of Information on Wednesday 28th August 2024.

UDP will come up with a comprehensive response regarding the so-called consultations done with political parties on the Barrow Constitution, and other misleading statements next week. The position of UDP on this Barrow Constitution will be made categorically clear.



UDP MEDIA TEAM

RESPONSE TO MINISTER OF INFORMATION

The United Democratic Party (UDP) notes with disappointment the misinformation being peddled by the state’s Minister of Information Dr. Ismaila Ceesay. In a recent appearance on state television GRTS, Mr. Ceesay stated that “…effectively, the reason we don’t have a constitution today [sic] is because of UDP and its leadership.” He unfairly speculated that “…UDP would likely continue to block the Barrow 2024 draft if it is reintroduced in parliament.”

The United Democratic Party’s position, which has been clearly communicated publicly, has been that any amendments, whether proposed from the cabinet or other stakeholders, MUST be subject to National Assembly procedures, and we remain committed to that view. In fact, this position is no different from the position Minister Ceesay took as leader of the then opposition party, the Citizens’ Alliance. As evidenced by his Twitter (now X) feed when he posted the following on September 22, 2020: “The final product of the draft constitution should be a compromise document, acceptable to a majority of Gambians rather than a compromised one to be rejected by NAMs. Let's subject it to the next stage of parliamentary scrutiny to consider concerned voices.”

That last sentence in his post captures exactly what has been and remains UDP’s stated position. His convictions may have changed, but we remain committed to our values and advocating for the rule of law and due process. The mandate of the Constitutional Review Commission requires that any proposed draft emanating from their consultations with the people, would reflect the aspirations of the people, and we believe the 2020 Draft Constitution does exactly that.

Despite pressure from the executive, the CRC maintained certain clauses because they reflected the aspirations of the Gambian people and in the process demonstrated their independence. Suggesting that the CRC was selectively attentive, and that the CRC “rewarded” the UDP by altering the clause to allow convicted individuals to run for office is a direct attack to the person of our party leader and secretary general, who without his and his party’s sacrifice, both Minister Ceesay and President Barrow will not be in the position they are in today. We find it to be ungrateful to all those who contributed to the change, especially those who gave more to the point of going to prison to liberate the Gambia from the fronts of dictatorship that the Gambia experienced, an oversimplification of facts and undermines the thorough and consultative process the CRC followed for which all Gambians are proud.

As part of a democratic process, it is not unusual, in fact it is expected that various stakeholders will raise objections to specific provisions and clauses, that is expected and is a part of the process. Where we differ with the Minister is on how to address those concerns raised in objections. All objective minds would agree that the National Assembly is the proper institution in which to strike any compromises as opposed to the president and his appointed cabinet manipulating the people’s draft without consulting anyone, including Civil Society Organizations.

The minister made further distortions to the facts of the matter there was a consensus among all parties with the UDP as the only exception. In addition to the provisions on whether the term limit clause should be applied retroactively, there was no consensus on some provisions dealing with citizenship and on the constitutional designation of the Gambia as a secular state. The parties left Abuja with those sticking points.

Constitutional building is not an entirely partisan affair, neither is it about capitulating to the desires of Barrow and his executive, rather, we should advocate for the values we uphold. To that end, we would like to make it clear that the UDP is not advocating for taking the draft to referendum as is. Our position has always been to have any proposed amendments, whether recommended by the executive or other stakeholders, be subject to debate in the National Assembly and not before.

It is disheartening to note that someone once considered a rising star in the Gambia’s political future would take issue with a widely held view that too much power is concentrated in the hands of the president. Minister Ceesay’s critique of reducing presidential powers overlooks the historical context that informed the CRC’s decision-making. The CRC’s intent was to prevent the kind of power abuses that had plagued The Gambia under the previous regime. Strengthening checks and balances by empowering the National Assembly was not an attempt to strip the presidency of its legitimate authority but rather to ensure that power is exercised responsibly. Dr. Ceesay’s concerns about a potential “constitutional crisis” ignore the need for robust institutions that can prevent the concentration of power in a single office.

It is unfortunate that the Minister would disregard those facts just to attempt to cast a negative light on UDP whose only crime is to advocate its values.
We urge the Minister to execute his job functions with objective neutrality, with due regard to The Gambian people, and with sincere commitment to the truth.
As minister of Information, this means to simplify and effectively communicate government policy to the Gambian people. His job functions do not include being a propaganda spin doctor by feeding the people with disinformation, misinformation and half-truths.

UDP Media Team

Good evening, everyone. I am pleased to share that our party is making significant progress in URR and CRR. In the recent local government elections, we came very close to winning both seats, especially in the CRR, thanks to the hard work of our grassroots organizations.

In CRR, we have seen many people switch allegiance from the NPP to our party. Their reasons for leaving the NPP are genuine and have taught us a valuable lesson about the importance of delivering on our promises, unlike the NPP, which has failed to do so.

Our core message remains consistent: Strengthen democratic institutions, promote good governance, ensure transparency and accountability in government operations, uphold the rule of law, and protect human rights.

We aim to implement policies that will stimulate economic growth and diversify the economy, while also supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to create job opportunities. Additionally, we will invest in infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity and trade.

Education and healthcare are also top priorities. We are committed to improving the quality of education, increasing access to educational opportunities, enhancing healthcare services, and ensuring they are accessible and affordable for all. This includes investing in the training and development of teachers and healthcare professionals.

Furthermore, we will focus on promoting sustainable agricultural practices to increase productivity, supporting farmers with subsidies, training, and access to markets, and developing strategies to ensure food security and reduce dependency on imports.

We also plan to create programs aimed at empowering youth through education, skills training, and entrepreneurship, and promoting gender equality while addressing issues of youth unemployment and creating meaningful engagement opportunities.

Today, we are in Niani Younna, joining forces with Talib Ahmed Bensouda, the head of the National Camping and Organising Committee. Our mission is clear: to move forward and make substantial strides in the agricultural sector.

Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Gambian economy, employing around 75% of the population and contributing significantly to the nation's GDP. Despite its importance, the sector faces numerous challenges, including climate change, limited access to modern farming techniques, and inadequate infrastructure. However, with determination and strategic planning, these obstacles can be transformed into opportunities for growth and development.

Groundnuts remain one of the main export crops, accounting for a significant portion of the country's foreign exchange earnings. To enhance productivity, efforts should be made to improve soil fertility and pest management practices. Additionally, the diversification into other high-value crops such as sesame and cashew nuts is showing potential, with increasing global demand providing new market opportunities for Gambian farmers.

Livestock farming, including cattle, goats, and poultry, also plays a vital role in the rural economy. Initiatives aimed at improving animal health, breeding practices, and feed quality are essential to boost this sub-sector. Furthermore, the development of sustainable fishing practices is critical, given the significant contribution of fisheries to both food security and export revenues.

One of the key strategies to advance agriculture in The Gambia is the empowerment of smallholder farmers through access to credit, training, and market information. By leveraging technology, such as mobile platforms for agricultural extension services, farmers can receive timely advice and updates on best practices and market prices.

Today, as we stand in Niani Younna with Talib Ahmed Bensouda, our task is to build on these foundations. We must focus on implementing policies that promote sustainable agricultural practices, enhance value addition, and improve the overall resilience of the agricultural sector. By doing so, we can ensure food security, boost economic growth, and improve the livelihoods of millions of Gambians.

Good morning to you all,

As you all know, the campaign and organizing committee of our great party is currently on tour. As the National Campaign Manager, I am deeply honored to be on the ground, meeting and greeting our esteemed members and supporters in their respective towns and villages throughout The Gambia.

Our focus is steadfast, and we are committed to addressing the needs and aspirations of every Gambian. We are visiting communities from Banjul to Basse, listening to your concerns, and sharing our vision for a brighter future. Our agenda is centered on unity, development, and prosperity for all.

We are dedicated to capacity building, ensuring that every Gambian has the opportunity to enhance their skills and contribute meaningfully to our nation's progress. Our cultural and religious exchange initiatives aim to foster mutual understanding and respect among our diverse communities, celebrating the rich heritage that makes The Gambia unique.

We are taking decisive action on environmental and climate change issues, implementing sustainable practices to protect our beautiful land and ensure a healthy future for generations to come. Youth empowerment remains a top priority, with programs focused on skill development, business opportunities, and sports, providing our young people with the tools they need to succeed.

Our trade policies are designed to boost economic growth, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and opening up new markets for Gambian products. We are also committed to the empowerment of women and children, promoting gender equality and ensuring access to health, education, and economic opportunities for all.

Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and we are investing in modern technologies and sustainable farming methods to increase productivity and ensure food security.

Our focus is binding, and nothing will derail us. We are united in our mission, and with God’s grace, victory will be ours. Together, we will build a prosperous and inclusive Gambia.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication. Let's move forward together, with hope and determination.

Victory is ours!

Sincerely,
Hon. Karafa Yahya Sonko
National Campaign Manager

I had the privilege of watching the Niumi Noran football final yesterday. The game was held at Essau Football grounds and featured Mbollet Ba and Sam Mbollet. In the end, Sam Mbollet emerged victorious with a scoreline of 2-1.

In attendance with me was Lamin J Sanneh, a fellow national executive member and deputy secretary of fundraising of the party who sponsored the tournament.

Greetings everyone,

I am delighted to introduce you to the official page of Karafa Sonko, the UDP National Campaign Manager! I am excited to launch this page and engage with all of you as we collaborate to achieve our vision for a brighter future. Keep an eye out for updates, upcoming events, and opportunities to participate. Let's work together to make a positive impact! Let us keep our focus on 2026, as victory is within our reach!