28/05/2026
UDP RAISES CONCERN OVER ALLEGATIONS AGAINST SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN KEY SECURITY POSITIONS
The United Democratic Party (UDP) has expressed concern over what it described as growing allegations involving senior government officials holding key national security and public trust positions in The Gambia.
In a statement, the party cited allegations involving National Security Adviser to the President, Abubakarr Suleiman Jeng, who has reportedly been linked to foreign nationals allegedly involved in drug trafficking activities in the country as they also raised concerns over allegations against Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant General Mamat Cham, who has been accused of corruption and abuse of office.
Among claims circulating publicly are allegations that boats seized from suspected illegal migration organizers were improperly used for private commercial fishing activities allegedly linked to members of his family.
Additionally, the party referenced allegations against nominated Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Defence and Security, Seedy Njie, over audio recordings widely believed to contain his voice allegedly suggesting discriminatory practices in employment opportunities and access to government benefits based on tribal affiliation and political association.
The UDP said the allegations are troubling due to the officials’ links to national security institutions and warned that declining public confidence in such institutions could undermine national cohesion, stability, and democratic governance.
The party called on President Adama Barrow, the National Security Council, the National Assembly, and relevant oversight institutions to launch independent investigations into the allegations as it further reiterated opposition leader Ousainu Darboe’s call for comprehensive Security Sector Reform to strengthen professionalism, accountability, and public trust in national institutions.