By Buba Gagigo
Hon. Mama Kandeh, Secretary General and Party Leader of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) has urged Gambians to reject President Adama Barrow’s bid for a third term, declaring that “the presidency is over” for the National People’s Party (NPP) leader.
Addressing a gathering at a Senegambia hotel where new members were joining the GDC, Kandeh also responded to President Barrow’s remarks hinting that he could be succeeded by his son, as NPP party leader.
“From today, let us stand firm against Barrow’s third-term ambition. I heard he’s dreaming, saying his son will succeed him. Before he thinks of his son, he should reflect on himself first. Whether he accepts it or not, his presidency is over—it’s God’s will. Change is coming, and you only need to go to Basse to see how much has changed. Women have turned to selling charcoal just to survive, something we have never seen before in this country,” Kandeh said.
The GDC leader has accused the president and his party of exploiting women, particularly in the Upper River Region (URR). He claims that the NPP is pressuring women to obtain NPP membership cards, priced at D150, to benefit from development projects.
“The president and his party seem oblivious to the struggles women face, as they continue to take advantage of their hard-earned efforts,” Kandeh stated. “Now, they are demanding these women purchase NPP membership cards or risk losing access to project benefits. Is this what compassion for women looks like? Let Gambians see the reality for themselves,” he said.
Addressing the presence of foreign forces in the country, Kandeh criticized the number of checkpoints they operate, questioning their purpose and expressing concerns about sovereignty.
“I have no issue with Barrow bringing in foreign forces for his protection, but why so many checkpoints? Since their arrival, how many of our people have been killed in Foni? Are they not Gambian citizens? Now our people are being taken to Senegal and mistreated. It’s as if The Gambia is no longer a sovereign state. We all want peace and security, but this should be achieved by Gambians, for Gambians,” he said.
Honorable Mama Kandeh is the Secretary-General and Party Leader of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC).