The Coalition of Political Parties (CoPG) has voiced its disappointment and surprise at recent statements made by President Adama Barrow during his Meet the People tour. In a press release signed by their Secretary General Celestine Kujabi, the group expressed concerns about the tour being perceived as a means for the President to further his ambition for a third mandate in the 2026 presidential election. The group criticized the President’s tone, particularly as he is chairperson of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), a significant international organization known for promoting unity and dialogue for sustainable development. They found it unacceptable that instead of speaking on promises for a referendum and advocating for unity and peace, the President used the tour to intimidate opponents and incite violence for his political ambitions. They also condemned the recent arrests of Ebrima Dibba and Bakary Sillah, citing it as a violation of human rights and a lack of neutrality by the office of the Inspector General of Police.CoPG emphasized that the pressing needs of the Gambian people, such as access to quality health services, improved transportation, and economic development, should take precedence over what the President and his government consider as achievements. They urged the President and his administration to acknowledge the realities on the ground and listen to objective opinions from the wider population, rather than subjective views from a few individuals.In conclusion, CoPG highlighted the urgent requirements of Gambians, including the adoption of the 2020 draft constitution, improved healthcare facilities, reliable transportation systems, enhanced agricultural support, and a well-trained and equipped security service. They also urged the National Assembly and the judiciary to be considerate and reflective of the needs of the people they govern.CoPG says they are disappointed and surprised by the recent utterances by the President, Adama Barrow during his recent Meet the People tour and therefore expressed concerns. In a press release signed by their Secretary General Celestine Kujabi, the group stated that the tour is perceived by many as police and his ambition to contest the 2026 presidential election for a third mandate.
“The tone used by the president is not expected of a sitting chairperson of one of the largest and most recognized international organizations the OIC. This is unacceptable considering the theme of the recently ended summit “Enhancing unity and solidarity through dialogue for sustainable development. Unfortunately, the president who is supposed to be speaking on his promise for a referendum and advocate for unity, inclusion, peace, and tranquility will embark on a tour to intimidate opponents and even incite violence driven by his political ambitions. The recent unlawful arrest of Ebrima Dibba and Bakary Sillah is another gross human rights violation which showed no neutrality by the office of The IGP.”
The release added that the unrealistic promises with little effort to give Gambians the services needed in the health, transport, and economic sectors, coupled with revelations of widespread corruption undermining these sectors are of urgent concern to Gambians than what President Adama Barrow and his government regard as achievements or progress. The President and his administration are missing the realities on the ground and need to listen to objective and not subjective opinions of a few.
“The president needs to be informed that Gambians need the adoption of the 2020 draft constitution, modern and standard health facilities, and service delivery, effective and reliable ferry services and safe transport system, mechanized and subvented agricultural ventures, a well-trained and equipped and formidable security service amongst many array of things to be done. Above all, the National principal and his executive, the National Assembly, and the judiciary should be considerate and reflective of those they governed.”
