LamToro News (2025)

17/08/2025

Rebuttal to Essa Faal's Misleading Claims on UTG Degrees

By Alagi Yorro Jallow.

Fatoumatta: Recent assertions by Lawyer Essa Mbye Faal, claiming that degrees from the University of The Gambia (UTG) are unrecognized in the United Kingdom and internationally, are not only misleading—they are unequivocally false. Such statements, whether born out of political maneuvering or elitist condescension, undermine the dignity of Gambian students and attack the credibility of our national institutions. In stark contrast to Mr. Faal's claims, graduates of UTG have consistently secured placements in prestigious universities across the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia.

In May 2025, the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHERST) recognized ten outstanding UTG graduates with scholarships for postgraduate studies abroad, an affirmation of their academic excellence and global potential. These students were selected from diverse fields of research and are rightfully celebrated as national treasures. During UTG's 17th Convocation, President Adama Barrow heralded the graduates as "architects of Gambia's future," underlining their vital role in national development and global engagement.
UTG's Vice Chancellor, Professor Herbert Robinson, emphasized the university's expansion, now offering over 50 undergraduate programs and 37 postgraduate programs, with thousands of students and alums making significant contributions across various sectors, from medicine to public administration.
It is fundamentally flawed to equate foreign degrees with superior competence. Numerous lawyers trained in the UK or Sierra Leone have struggled with fundamental skills in grammar, legal reasoning, and courtroom performance. In contrast, UTG-trained professionals have excelled both domestically and internationally, proving that intellectual rigor and civic commitment are not limited by geography.
Fatoumatta: Essa Faal's political strategy increasingly hinges on sweeping generalizations and a brand of rhetorical elitism. His habit of denouncing national institutions while presenting himself as the sole advocate for reform reflects a troubling populist narrative, one that diminishes rather than uplifts. He has relentlessly criticized civil service structures and alleged widespread incompetence, yet offers scant evidence beyond anecdotal frustration. While such tactics may garner political favor, they ultimately erode public trust and insult the very citizens he claims to represent.
Political discourse must be grounded in truth and integrity, not hollow rhetoric. Let us give credit where it is truly due. UTG, despite its youth, is an institution on the rise, continually producing talented graduates who are shaping the future of The Gambia. Many UTG alums who have found success abroad attribute their achievements to the robust foundation established by UTG's faculty and programs. To dismiss these outstanding accomplishments is to overlook the resilience and brilliance of Gambian youth. It overlooks the sacrifices made by families who invest in education and the tireless dedication of educators working to elevate our nation.
Fatoumatta: We must celebrate and uplift the remarkable achievements of our graduates, shining a light on their potential to drive positive change both at home and around the world.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1475627730135574/?s=single_unit&__cft__[0]=AZWsQjW5G_MrBP81_3JgOtLgg0gBt1w-

16/08/2025

Reclaiming the Essence of Parliamentary Representation in The Gambia: Harnessing Mature Wisdom, Valuable Experience, and Genuine Integrity Beyond Mere Credentials.

By Alagi Yorro Jallow
Fatoumatta: In an era where public service often demands more than it rewards, Hon. Yaya Menteng Sanyang stands out as a symbol of ambition and intellectual pursuit. His decision to undertake a legal degree while actively serving in the National Assembly speaks volumes about his commitment to personal growth and the value of education. This effort deserves admiration. Yet, as we celebrate academic milestones, we must also reflect on a more profound truth: education, in its most whole form, is not merely the accumulation of credentials. It is the fusion of knowledge with experience, maturity, and discernment, the kind of wisdom that transforms learning into leadership.
In recent discourse surrounding the future of The Gambia's National Assembly, Hon. Yaya Menteng Sanyang, a newly graduated lawmaker, has proposed raising the minimum educational requirements for parliamentarians. His argument, rooted in comparisons with foreign legislatures filled with doctors, engineers, and professors, suggests that academic credentials are the key to legislative competence. While this view may appear progressive on the surface, it risks reinforcing a dangerous misconception: that formal education alone makes a good representative.
This belief, known as credentialism, is not only reductive, it is historically and democratically flawed. The Gambia has long been served by parliamentarians whose impact far exceeded their academic qualifications. While intellectual giants like Halifa Sallah and Sidia Jatta brought scholarly depth to the chamber, others like the late Bakary Bojang of Baku, Sheriff Mustapha Dibba, MC Cham, and Nyimasata Saaneh-Bojang, Yaya Ceesay earned their place in history through patriotism, moral clarity, and a deep connection to the people.
In the Second Republic, figures such as Amat Bah, Kemesseng Jammeh, late Abu Karamba Kassama, Omar Kebba Mass of the UDP, and APRC's Edirissa Samba Sallah demonstrated that leadership is not confined to lecture halls. Sallah, notably, introduced The Gambia's first private member's bill advocating for smoke-free public spaces—a landmark achievement in public health legislation. These individuals may not have held advanced degrees, but they understood the pulse of the nation and acted with courage and conviction.
Hon. Sanyang's record offers a sobering counterpoint. Despite his legal training, he has yet to sponsor a private member's bill or contribute meaningfully to the national conversation on constitutional reform. In contrast, legal minds like Senior Counsel Lamin J. Darboe have written extensively on the 2020 and 2024 draft constitutions, offering rigorous critiques and thought leadership that have shaped public understanding. Hon. Sanyang's parliamentary interventions, while present, lack the intellectual depth one might expect from a lawyer committed to reform.
This gap between education and impact reveals a fundamental truth: degrees do not guarantee vision, initiative, or integrity.
Fatoumatta: History is filled with leaders who changed the course of nations without the benefit of elite education. PM Winston Churchill, who never earned a university degree, led Britain through World War II and won the Nobel Prize in Literature. Abraham Lincoln, largely self-taught, abolished slavery and preserved the Union. Frederick Douglass, a formerly enslaved person with no formal schooling, became one of the most powerful voices for justice in American history. Jacob Zuma rose from poverty to the presidency of South Africa without formal education. Karunanidhi, with only a secondary school education, became a legendary legislator and cultural icon in India. These figures remind us that leadership is not about credentials—it's about courage, clarity, and commitment.
Fatoumatta: In our society, we encounter four types of college-educated individuals. First, those who pass through university without letting it pass through them are unable to articulate informed opinions or think critically. Second, the box-tickers—those who pursue education for job security, not intellectual growth. Third, the literalists—those who cling rigidly to textbook knowledge, resisting nuance and alternative viewpoints. And finally, the enlightened—those who use education as a springboard for deeper inquiry, civic engagement, and transformative leadership. Only the last group truly embodies the spirit of public service. The rest, despite their credentials, may contribute little to the democratic process.
Fatoumatta: Democracy thrives when citizens choose their representatives based on values, vision, and lived experience—not just diplomas. Raising constitutional barriers risks excluding capable individuals who may not have had access to formal education but possess the wisdom, empathy, and grit to lead. Instead of gatekeeping through academic qualifications, we should:
Demand transparency and accountability from our parliamentarians. Encourage civic education and informed voting and support candidates from diverse backgrounds—farmers, teachers, activists, and artisans—who reflect the soul of our nation. Let us celebrate the rich tapestry of our parliamentary history and recognize that while education has its place, it is not the sole measure of leadership. Accurate intelligence and effective representation stem from experience, moral clarity, and a deep-seated commitment to the people.
Fatoumatta: By fostering an environment that values diverse perspectives and encourages genuine dialogue, we can support the emergence of a new generation of inspired, capable leaders—leaders who understand that the heart of democracy lies not in credentials, but in service. Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future for The Gambia.

16/08/2025

From Russia With Love? The Alaska Summit and the Specter of Sovereignty.
By Alagi Yorro Jallow
Fatoumatta: At Anchorage’s Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, a historic and unsettling summit unfolds. U.S. President Donald Trump meets Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking the first time in over a decade that Putin sets foot on American soil. The symbolism is unmistakable: Alaska, once a Russian territory sold to the United States in 1867, now hosts two expansionist leaders whose doctrines—MAGA and MRGA (Make America/Russia Great Again)—echo the ambitions of empire.
The summit promises six to seven hours of closed-door talks. Trump seeks an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, but the absence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sparked alarm. Without Ukraine’s voice at the table, fears mount that its sovereignty may be quietly bartered away. The optics are troubling: two global strongmen convening in a land once exchanged between their nations, now potentially discussing the fate of a third.
Alaska’s selection as the summit site is rich with historical and geopolitical resonance. Its proximity to Russia across the Bering Strait, its strategic military significance, and its legacy as a purchased territory make it a potent symbol of power, transaction, and contested space. It is a reminder that land can be bought, sold, and repurposed—but sovereignty, especially in the 21st century, should not be.
Fatoumatta: This summit is not merely diplomatic theater. It is a confrontation between two ideologies that challenge democratic norms. Vladimir Putin, in office since 1999, has transformed elections into ceremonial acclamations, dismantled opposition, and signaled his intent to remain in power beyond 2032. Donald Trump, meanwhile, has flirted with authoritarianism—undermining institutions, attacking the judiciary and media, and hinting at a third term. As Brian Klaas warned in The Despot’s Apprentice, Trump’s behavior mirrors the tactics of autocrats who erode democracy from within.
The stakes in Alaska are high. Will Trump offer sanctions relief in exchange for vague promises? Will Putin concede anything without extracting geopolitical leverage? Will Ukraine’s territorial integrity be compromised in the name of “peace”? The specter of another partition, another Yalta-style deal made without the consent of those most affected, looms large.
Europe watches from the sidelines. Ukraine watches from the trenches. And the world watches from history, knowing that when strongmen meet, the vulnerable must brace.
This summit is a test—not just of diplomacy, but of moral clarity. It challenges us to ask: Can peace be achieved without justice? Can sovereignty be respected without representation? And can history’s lessons prevent its repetition?
Fatoumatta: From Russia with love? Perhaps. But more likely, from Russia with leverage. From America with ambition. And from Alaska a warning: that the past is never past, and the future is always negotiated.

16/08/2025

When Admiration Becomes Provocation: The Case of Lamin K. Mboge and Our Civic Unraveling.

By Alagi Yorro Jallow
Fatoumatta: In today’s Gambia, an unsettling transformation has taken place: admiration has morphed into provocation. Honoring a person's legacy, acknowledging their merit, or celebrating their achievements now invites not just critique, but outrage. We are witnessing a troubling unraveling of our civic fabric, where disagreement has turned into desecration, and constructive debate has been replaced by character assassination. This toxic environment has ensnared even those who once valiantly defended our nation’s dignity.
The recent celebration of Lawyer Lamin K. Mboge’s remarkable legacy as a young magistrate—who bravely refused to convict Halifa Sallah and Sidia Jatta in the landmark trial against Decree No. 4—has evoked envy and vitriol from those who once stood by silently. Mboge’s principled stand during that critical trial remains a cornerstone of Gambian judicial history, embodying courage in the face of coercion.
Let’s be unequivocally clear: Lamin K. Mboge was imprisoned under Yahya Jammeh’s oppressive regime, yet he was never disbarred. Claims circulating on social media that he was stripped of his legal credentials are patently false. His 2012 conviction for alleged document falsification was later reviewed and converted into fines by the High Court. The Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) further established that Jammeh’s regime targeted Mboge through politically motivated prosecutions, even attempting assassination.
When principles are punished and honor is vilified, we must confront a stark question: what kind of society are we becoming? It is profoundly alarming that distinguished professionals like Lawyer Amie Bensouda and Lamin Mboge—who exemplify unwavering integrity, legal excellence, and steadfast public service have become targets of malicious rhetoric. Bensouda, the first female Solicitor General of The Gambia, served as Attorney General and spearheaded transformative reforms in privatization and public enterprise restructuring. She has defended human rights activists and independent journalists, upholding freedom of the press and providing sanctuary to those persecuted, including myself, by offering the Independent newspaper office space when the Gambian government force our landlord to evict us. It was Amie Bensouda who extended her support by providing us space in Kanifing South.
How many lawyers within the Gambia Bar Association stood resolutely against Yahya Jammeh’s tyranny? Only a select few. Among them, Lamin Mboge, Borry Touray, Yukasseh Darboe and Magistrate Lamin J. Darboe dared to defy unlawful executive orders to uphold the independence of the judiciary—sacrificing their careers in the process. The allegation that Mboge was imprisoned for tax evasion is nothing short of a blatant falsehood. The Fatima Sighateh Tax Commission in 2011 found numerous lawyers—including Ousainou Darboe—guilty of tax violations totaling millions of Dalasis, yet they faced no prison time. Mboge’s imprisonment was not about taxes; it was about silencing dissent. The Gambia Bar Association itself was deeply compromised during Jammeh’s reign. While some lawyers faced arrest, intimidation, or were forced into exile, others colluded with the regime’s abuses.
A brave few—Lawyer Ousman Sillah, Hawa Sisay Sabally, Lamin Camara, Antouman Gaye, Lamin J Darboe, alongside Sheriff Tambedou, Borry Touray, and Yukasseh Darboe—paid an exorbitant price for their resistance. What we urgently need now is not more slander, but an unwavering commitment to truth. We require fact-checkers, historians, and journalists who will preserve our record, rather than distort it. We must honor those who stood firm in the face of adversity, rather than tear them down out of envy or nostalgia. To tarnish the legacy of Lamin Mboge or Amie Bensouda is to strike a blow against our own democratic aspirations. Let us rise above pettiness and reclaim a civic culture anchored in truth, courage, and historical accountability.

16/08/2025

His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of The Republic of The Gambia, on Thursday received His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and newly elected Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, on his official visit to Banjul.

This visit comes at a pivotal time for our sub-region, as ECOWAS faces complex and pressing challenges ranging from peace and security to political transitions, economic integration, climate change, and youth unemployment. President Barrow commends President Bio’s leadership and vision for the region and looks forward to engaging in constructive dialogue during his tenure as ECOWAS Authority Chairman.

Source: Culled from State House of the Gambia

16/08/2025

15th August 2025:
Assumption Day Message from H. E. ANM Ousainou Darboe to All Gambians

On this sacred occasion of Assumption Day (Sang Marie ), I extend my warmest wishes to all Christians in The Gambia and around the world. Today, as we commemorate the Blessed Virgin Mary’s ascent into heaven, we are reminded of the virtues of faith, hope, and divine grace that unite humanity beyond our differences.

The Gambia is a nation built on tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among all religions. As we celebrate this holy day, let us renew our commitment to these values that strengthen our social fabric. May the spirit of Assumption Day inspire us to rise above our challenges with unity, compassion, and a shared vision for a prosperous future.

To our Christian brothers and sisters, may this day bring you blessings, joy, and spiritual renewal. And to all Gambians, let us continue to uphold the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that make our nation a beacon of harmony in a divided world.

Happy Assumption Day!
Happy Sang Marie!
May Allah bless The Gambia and guide us all.

H.E. ANM Ousainou Darboe
UDP SECRETARY GENERAL AND PARTY LEADER

15/08/2025

On Drifting, Recklessness, and the Power of Thoughtful Silence.

By Alagi Yorro Jallow.

Fatoumatta: To those seeking my perspective on the recent calls to ban drifting among young people, a practice that has resulted in injuries and life-threatening consequences, I must be candid: my knowledge on the topic is limited, as I have been engrossed in other civic matters and have not delved deeply enough to contribute meaningfully.
Reckless driving endangers lives, and it is rightly considered a criminal offense. Yet, drifting, some believe, should be recognized as a sport. If that's the case, we should encourage authorities and stakeholders to come together to find common ground. Let’s regulate it and create safe environments for those who wish to participate. However, we must not conflate reckless thrill-seeking with organized competition. One is pure chaos, while the other, if governed appropriately, can embody discipline. I offer no sweeping judgments here; my intent is clear: not every issue demands our opinion.
Holding a platform does not equate to possessing all knowledge, and having an audience does not imply expertise. In today’s social media landscape, where everyone claims to know everything, this may sound counterintuitive. Yet, there is power in silence; it isn’t avoidance but rather a profound respect for the complexity of issues. Thoughtful leadership starts with the wisdom to know when to listen.

15/08/2025

The Price of Silence: Why Strategic Communication Must Reignite Statecraft.
In the absence of clear messaging, rumors become the prevailing narrative. The Barrow administration must shatter its silence and engage meaningfully with the people it governs.

By Alagi Yorro Jallow: The Witness Bench 0090.

Fatoumatta: In a democracy, silence is far from neutral; it cultivates speculation, breeds rumors, and undermines public trust. Right now, the Barrow administration is confronting this reality head-on. The recent visit of Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio, Chair of ECOWAS, to The Gambia was intended to serve as a moment of regional diplomacy, strengthening bilateral ties and facilitating strategic dialogue. Instead, it devolved into confusion.
A scheduled press conference was abruptly canceled, with no official rationale provided. President Bio left for Cape Verde, leaving the Gambian public to fill the void with whispers, theories, and gossip. This incident is not an anomaly; it reflects a troubling pattern: the Barrow government's persistent failure to communicate effectively with its citizens. When clear messaging is absent, speculation runs rampant. Citizens are left to wonder, journalists chase shadows, and political opponents exploit the uncertainty for their gain.
By choosing not to clarify, the government comes off as either evasive or indifferent. Strategic public communication is not merely optional; it is a cornerstone of democracy. It is the means by which governments foster trust, manage expectations, and uphold their legitimacy. When leaders articulate clearly, they mold the narrative. When they opt for silence, they abandon that narrative entirely.
President Bio's visit was not just significant; it was crucial. As chair of ECOWAS, his presence in Banjul held considerable weight. Reports indicate that behind closed doors, he implored President Barrow to reconsider a potential bid for a third term—a move that could jeopardize The Gambia's delicate democratic progress.
The abrupt cancellation of the press conference and state dinner only intensified suspicions that the talks had not gone as intended. Yet, in the face of these serious concerns, the Gambian government offered no answers—no statements, no reassurances—only silence. This silence has created a fertile ground for speculation, allowing theories ranging from diplomatic tensions to internal discord to flourish unchecked.
In the absence of concrete information, even the most outlandish ideas can gain a troubling foothold. President Barrow must recognize that effective governance is not solely about making decisions; it is about fostering dialogue with the public.
The people demand transparency. They have every right to understand what their leaders are doing, the rationale behind those actions, and how it affects their future.
Strategic communication should be institutionalized and prioritized, not treated as an afterthought. It must encompass. Timely press briefings after significant diplomatic engagements - Unambiguous messaging regarding policy changes and governance priorities. Proactive outreach to media and civil society - Robust crisis communication protocols to address unforeseen developments.
Fatoumatta: The Barrow administration faces a pivotal choice: to persist in its silence and witness a gradual erosion of public trust, or to seize the opportunity to reclaim the narrative through clarity, authenticity, and strategic engagement. In the final analysis, silence is not a sign of strength; it is a surrender of authority and confidence.

15/08/2025

“So Long a Letter” : A Powerful Exploration of Feminism and Gender Activism.

Short Review By Alagi Yorro Jallow
"So Long a Letter" by Mariama Bâ is an essential read for anyone passionate about feminism and gender activism, as it profoundly encapsulates the struggles and resilience of women. Bâ, a groundbreaking Senegalese writer born in Dakar, dedicated her life to advocating for women's rights and actively participated in several women’s organizations in Senegal. Her unwavering commitment to dismantling gender inequalities in Africa inspired her to write "So Long a Letter." Originally penned in French, the novel has been translated into sixteen languages and proudly won the inaugural Noma Award for Publishing in Africa.
As a schoolteacher and inspector by profession, Bâ passionately promoted the vital role of writers in developing nations. She believed that writers have a 'sacred mission' to challenge 'archaic practices, traditions, and customs' that do not authentically represent our cherished cultural heritage. In this light, "So Long a Letter" excels in its mission, delivering a powerful narrative that resonates on multiple levels.
The novel is succinct, at just 90 pages in paperback, yet it carries a weighty message. It unfolds as a heartfelt letter from Ramatoulaye, the protagonist, to her childhood best friend, Aissatou. As Ramatoulaye navigates the aftermath of her husband Modou Fall’s death, the story intricately contrasts the lives of both women as they grapple with the pain of their husbands’ decisions to marry additional wives. Their responses reveal deep insights into their characters; Aissatou embodies strength by leaving her husband to reclaim her dignity, while Ramatoulaye chooses to honor her commitment to Modou (albeit while living separately) as she cares for their twelve children. Both women are educated and empowered, and as the narrative progresses, the political themes become strikingly evident. Ramatoulaye fervently advocates for greater respect and freedom for women within Senegalese society.
Fatoumatta: While some critics argue that her political messages are inadequately woven into the plot, Ramatoulaye's rejection of two marriage proposals after becoming a widow—one from her former brother-in-law and another from an old lover—vividly illustrates her convictions. Her compassionate acceptance of her daughter Aissatou’s pregnancy further underscores her modern, progressive mindset. Ramatoulaye's internal musings during Modou's funeral forcefully critique the hypocrisy and mercenary attitudes that often surround widows.
Her complex emotions regarding Modou's death reveal a profound love, but they are equally tinged with anguish as she contemplates having to share her grief with Binetou, Modou’s second wife. Binetou, who was encouraged into an illicit relationship and marriage for financial gain, stands in stark contrast to Ramatoulaye, whose pride is deeply rooted in her decades of devotion—thirty years and twelve children—as compared to Binetou’s far lesser contributions. Ramatoulaye’s justified resentment powerfully illustrates the profound injustices women endure. While a few honorable men appear in the narrative, such as Ramatoulaye’s first love, Daouda, and Aissatou’s boyfriend, Ibrahim, the prevailing theme is the widespread failure of men to accord women the basic respect they deserve. When Daouda notes that women have recently been allowed to serve as parliamentarians, Ramatoulaye poignantly reminds him that a mere four out of over a hundred seats are occupied by women. In stark contrast, the bonds of love, community, and friendship among women emerge as powerful antidotes to the pain and alienation inflicted by men.
Fatoumatta: As the story nears its conclusion, Ramatoulaye and Aissatou look forward to reuniting after a long separation, filling Ramatoulaye with joyful anticipation as she envisions teasing her cherished friend. "So Long a Letter" may be a slender volume, but its emotional weight is astonishing; I am truly grateful to have experienced its profound insights.

14/08/2025

Press Statement on the death of one month old baby as a result of FGM.

14/08/2025

Counsel Olimatou Danso Malang Appointed GMA Director General

President Adama Barrow has appointed Counsel Olimatou Danso Malang as the new Director General of the Gambia Maritime Administration (GMA), effective August 4, 2025. She replaces Mr. Karamo Janneh.

Danso Malang, who joined GMA in 2018, previously served as Director of Legal Affairs and has over 12 years’ experience in the legal sector, including roles as State Counsel and Senior State Counsel at the Ministry of Justice. She holds an LLM in International Maritime Law from IMLI in Malta and a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of The Gambia.

Her appointment is seen as a boost for the maritime sector, combining extensive legal expertise with specialized maritime knowledge.

Source; Culled from Paradise Tv

14/08/2025

August 14th: From Decree to Defiance—The Birth of a Democratic Mandate.

By Alagi Yorro Jallow
Fatoumatta: Certain dates in a nation’s history do more than simply mark the passage of time; they resonate and leave an indelible imprint on a collective consciousness. August 14th, 1996, is one such date in The Gambia. On this day, the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council enacted Decree No. 89, a draconian measure that banned all political parties and effectively criminalized dissent except PDOIS. Yet, in defiance of this heavy-handed decree, something remarkable occurred: a coalition of suppressed voices arose, birthing the United Democratic Party (UDP). This was not just a political organization; it was a bold moral insurgency against military tyranny. The UDP emerged not from comfort but from conflict—born of courageous alliances between the likes of the People's Progressive Party (PPP), the National Convention Party (NCP), and the Gambia People's Party (GPP), who chose solidarity over division, principle over mere survival.
At the helm was Ousainou Darboe, a lawyer whose resolve was defined by quiet determination rather than flamboyant rhetoric. He sought not power for its own sake; he answered a higher call. The people lifted him not for his charisma but for his unwavering character. The UDP's founding mission was unequivocal: confront the military, reclaim democracy, and safeguard civilian rule. It never became a personality-driven party; it was always a movement fueled by a profound sense of purpose. Its ideology was built on the pillars of constitutionalism, human rights, and inclusive governance. The UDP championed the rule of law at a time when law itself was manipulated as a weapon. It found its voice for the voiceless, bravely advocating for freedom of speech even when it could lead to grave consequences. Its members marched forward, fully aware that their activism could land them in prison.
Critics have often questioned whether the UDP serves merely one man's ego. Yet, such scrutiny misses the heart of the party's essence. Darboe did not build the UDP; it was the UDP that shaped his leadership. His role was not self-proclaimed; it was conferred upon him by a populace desperate for principled resistance. Today, as the party continues to evolve, it is increasingly being led by a vibrant youth energized by civic ambition and inspired by a rich legacy of sacrifice.
The UDP’s platform stands as a dynamic manifesto for national renewal. It passionately advocates for: - Youth employment and empowerment - Education reform and the dignity of teachers - Agricultural revitalization and food security - Robust public health and social protection - Advanced digital infrastructure and e-governance These are not empty slogans; they are solemn commitments born from the collective pain of a generation that knows all too well what it means to live under the shadow of a decree.
August 14th is not merely a date of political repression; it is a powerful declaration that the people of The Gambia refuse to be erased. The birth of the UDP signified a collective vow that Gambians would not yield to fear but rather embrace the ideals of freedom. It serves as a poignant reminder that democracy is not generously bestowed; it is a hard-fought right that must be claimed.
Fatoumatta: As we reflect on this significant anniversary, let us focus not just on the UDP's achievements but also on the monumental tasks that lie ahead. Let it remain a party deeply rooted in the spirit of resistance. Let it evolve into a movement that continually reaffirms its commitment to principles over power. Let it serve as a mirror for all Gambians to confront—not only the shadows of the past but also the bright future we are prepared to fight for.

LamToro News

17/08/2025

16/08/2025

16/08/2025

16/08/2025

16/08/2025

16/08/2025

15/08/2025

15/08/2025

15/08/2025

14/08/2025

14/08/2025

14/08/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share