Rédaction Africa Links 24 with babucarr balajo
Published on 2024-03-27 10:04:56
The arrest of democratic governance in The Gambia on July 22, 1994, by Yahya Jammeh and his junta marked a turning point in the country’s history. The shift from a predictable and consensual form of governance to erratic, emotional, and oftentimes tribalistic politics set the country on a tumultuous path. Jammeh’s autocratic rule saw him manipulate laws, rules, and regulations to suit his own needs, aided by a group of subservient parliamentarians and civil servants.
The emergence of opposition parties, such as the United Democratic Party (UDP) in 1996, marked a resistance against Jammeh’s oppressive regime. The UDP faced persecution, with its leadership and followers subjected to arrest, detention, torture, and even death. However, in 2016, The Gambia successfully ousted Jammeh through peaceful elections, ushering in a new era.
On March 24, 2024, Senegal held elections to address the growing authoritarianism of President Macky Sall, once hailed for his support in removing Jammeh from power. However, Sall’s descent into oppression mirrored Jammeh’s tactics, as he targeted political opponents like Ousmane Sonko and his party, Pastef. The unjust accusations, trials, and crackdowns on dissent culminated in the election of President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye.
The UDP, in response to the fraudulent elections of December 2021, has intensified its efforts to challenge the corrupt practices of President Adama Barrow’s government. The party recognizes the need for ethical leadership to steer The Gambia towards development, especially in the face of regional and continental integration efforts like the African Continental Free-Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The UDP advocates for regional collaboration, but emphasizes the necessity of transparent and forward-thinking leadership. The failure of the Senegambia Confederation serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of negotiating integration from a position of strength rather than weakness.
As the region moves towards greater unity, The Gambia must address its internal issues, such as corruption, lack of development, and economic inefficiencies. The upcoming presidential election in 2026 presents an opportunity for change, with the UDP positioning itself to lead the country towards a more prosperous future, in alignment with the vision of Senegal’s new government.
The party stresses the importance of unity, patriotism, and a focus on development to ensure the country’s relevance on the global stage. Looking to Pastef’s victory in Senegal as inspiration, the UDP is determined to replace the current government with a more capable and ethical leadership under Ousainu Darboe in the upcoming election.
Overall, the UDP’s mission is clear: to secure a brighter future for The Gambia by leveraging its potential and resources towards meaningful and sustainable development. Through strategic alliances, ethical governance, and a commitment to progress, the party aims to position the country as a key player in the region’s growth and prosperity.
Read the original article on The Standard
