By Ramatoulie Jawo
Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, the Secretary-General and Party Leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), addressed journalists during a press conference at the UDP’s Bureau in Manjai. He emphasized that while the UDP does not promote violence, they are prepared to use violence when faced with violence.
Mr. Darboe’s statement came in response to President Barrow’s recent call during his tour, urging supporters of the National People’s Party to confront opposition supporters if provoked. Darboe clarified that the UDP would not passively endure violence but would respond in kind.
“And one thing I know is that the United Democratic Party (UDP), will not encourage violence. However, the United Democratic Party (UDP) will be prepared to use violence to meet violence. We are not compromising on that. We will use violence to meet violence. If you come to us with violence, we will beat you with violence. We certainly will not sit down and allow anyone who believes that he has the backing of the government of the Gambia to commit violence against us, and we will sit down passively and not meet violence with violence. That is not a threat; I want to tell you, Mr. President, that is the promise,” Darboe said.
Darboe also addressed the potential use of security forces against the UDP. He stated that they would stand up against any section of the security forces—whether police or soldiers—if weaponized against them. Their goal is to protect their rights and ensure that the country is governed by the rule of law.
“If you think you can use the security forces against us, I will say we will prepare to meet any section of the security forces, be it the police, be it soldiers, if you want to weaponize them against us, we will certainly stand up against them to protect our rights, that nobody will reduce us to people who do not have rights in this country,” Darboe stated.
The UDP leader expressed their willingness to sacrifice their lives and face imprisonment for their cause. He emphasized the importance of governing the country by laws. However, Mr. Darboe contends that President Barrow should focus more on addressing the everyday issues faced by the Gambian people rather than being overly fixated on the UDP Party.
“Barrow was asking his supporters that if anyone should insult them, they should be prepared to fight. Telling them that they should fight. I want to say, gentlemen and women of the press, that such a statement is very inciteful. Telling supporters to fight is incitement, and we do not expect the president of the Republic of the Gambia to make that statement that urged a section of the community of the Gambian society to become violent; he is encouraging violence,” Hon. Darboe said.