By Buba Gagigo
The opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) has written to both the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff regarding alleged threats made by a soldier against the UDP.
In a WhatsApp message, Drammeh Sonko Jarju is heard saying he will “finish the UDP before 2026.” However, the Gambia Armed Forces have stated that the soldier in question is no longer serving with them.
“I write on behalf of the National Executive Committee of the United Democratic Party to bring to the attention of your office the above captioned matter. The United Democratic Party condemns in the strongest possible terms this latest threat against UDP, to ‘finish the UDP before 2026′ issued by a serving soldier named Drammeh Sonko Jarju, on social media,” said Alagie S. Darboe, Senior Administrative Secretary of the UDP.
According to the UDP, this is not the first time threats have been made against the party, but it is the first time a soldier has made such a threat via social media.
“The UDP takes all such threats seriously and urges your office to take prompt actions to address this matter urgently. Needless to say, UDP has expected that the Armed Forces of the Gambia will take swift action to reassure the National Executive Committee and members of the UDP that this abhorrent statement of the soldier is dealt with immediately. At a time of unprecedented political polarisation and divisive rhetoric compounded by high incidences of violent crimes where police officers on duty are randomly shot resulting in a loss of life, the United Democratic Party is gravely concerned about the recent threat made by a serving military personnel,” the UDP stated.
The UDP also emphasized the urgent need for all state institutions and security agencies to refrain from making comments that are offensive or likely to create misunderstandings among citizens. They called for the institution of codes of conduct for active-duty officers, particularly on social media.
“To be clear, UDP believes that a soldier of the Gambia Armed Forces making reckless and provocative statements on social media is totally unacceptable. The UDP looks forward to hearing from you on this matter as soon as possible. Please accept the assurances of highest consideration and regards,” UDP said in a letter copied to IEC Chairman, NHRC Chairman and the IPC.