Barrow expressed his desire to see Ousainou Darboe, the leader of United Democratic Party (UDP) die before he Barrow) leaves presidency – a comment that has attracted national condemnation.
During the inauguration of a NPP political bureau in Brikama on Saturday, Barrow said: “I am taking an oath today that I’ll be President until Ousainu Darboe dies.”
He added: “I President Barrow, I’ll be President until He (Darboe) dies, only then will I leave the presidency.”
“Unless he (darboe) Dies I’ll not leave the presidency.”
“That’s the contract I’ve signed now.”
“Until my father (Darboe) dies, and it’s announced that he has indeed died, attend his funeral and then we go and bury him, that’s when I can finally say that I’ll leave this presidency,” Barrow finally declared.”
Bakary B. Dabo, the leader for Gambia For All (GFA), Essa Mbye Faal, former presidential candidate and Bala Garba Jahumpa, former minister of Works have all blamed Barrow his incendiary remarks.
“The Gambian Presidency has gone rogue: Gambia For All (GFA) party is concerned:
It is not the first time that President Adama Barrow has shocked the nation with his usual unrefined, undemocratic, and plainly unacceptable hate speeches, given on the spur-of-the-moment, at random political rallies throughout the country.
On each such occasion, his incompetent
political advisers tried to offer untenable alternative explanations for the president's numerous faux pas. Unfortunately, President Barrow's advisers are faced with a herculean task, as the President seems unable, unwilling, or incapable of formulating rational political speeches at political rallies without these types of verbal gaffes.
The latest outrage from the President was in Brikama, where he was heard wishing for the death and actual burial of UDP opposition leader Ousainou Darboe. This has really gone far beyond the pale of acceptable political discourse. For a democratically elected leader of a country, to say that he will not relinquish power unless he sees the main opposition party leader "dead and buried" is indeed a big threat to national security.
Instead of addressing the multiple crisis that The Gambia faces, which includes the unbearable high cost of living for the great majority of Gambians, the menace of dangerous drugs and drug traffickers infiltrating all sectors of our society, the tragic plight of our youths perishing in the Mediterranean Sea, and the daily reports of unbelievable government corruption scandals; the President offers no hope to Gambians, except an escalation of personal and useless political attacks on his opponents.
GFA strongly condemns the President’s hate speech, because we believe that on the Richter scale of political demagoguery, this is higher than the "bury six feet deep" speech that transformed former dictator Yahya Jammeh from a "soldier with a difference" to the killing monster that he later became.
It is important to remind all Gambian political leaders their words, especially what they utter at political rallies and elsewhere, matter. Each political leader has a portion of the Gambian population that supports and follows him/her. Making this type of hateful rhetoric, sows seeds of hatred and potential conflict in our country. Politics should be about ideas that can significantly change the livelihood of ordinary Gambians for the better, rather than hate speech which has no place in our democracy.
We appeal to all Gambians and to President Barrow in particular, that his perceived fratricidal war (TURUBANG KELLO) with his former allies, should be abandoned in exchange for good and progressive ideas that will help develop our country and transform the lives of her citizens.”
Essa Mbye Faal, former presidential candidate
“I am deeply dismayed by President Adama Barrow's recent offensive remarks towards Hon. Ousainou Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party. Such language has no place in our political discourse, and I stand with fellow Gambians in condemning this troubling statement.
While political differences are natural, they must not lead to vile remarks especially from a Head of State. It is crucial for leaders to uphold civility, respect, and decency, especially during times of political tension and economic challenges.
I wish for Hon. Ousainou Darboe's continued good health and long life as he contributes to our country's development.
Our nation deserves leaders who prioritise unity and understanding over division.”
Bala Garba Jahumpa, former minister of Works
“People of The Gambia, where is our country heading? The recent comments made by President Barrow at a meeting in Brikama are deeply troubling. If his statement about not stepping down until Lawyer Darboe is dead was made in error. He should offer a public apology to the nation. Such remarks are not only terrifying but also inappropriate for a leader.
In his speech, President Barrow declared that he would not leave office until Darboe was deceased, and even mentioned confirming Darboe’s death himself. Life and death are in the hands of God, and no one can predict when it will happen. It is unacceptable for the President to make such statements about waiting for someone to die before leaving power.
Friends and supporters of President Barrow, including those from the NPP, must acknowledge that these comments are profoundly inappropriate. It is unacceptable for a sitting president to say he will only step down after a specific individual’s death. Such statements are harmful and disgraceful.
We must reflect on the state of our politics if we have reached a point where we are wishing death upon fellow citizens. This is a shameful situation for The Gambia. Politics should be about unity and bringing people together, not creating conflict or division.
It is time for everyone close to President Barrow, including ministers and advisers, to speak out and uphold the truth. The current political space should focus on respect and discipline, not on such damaging statements. Criminals are everywhere killing people day and night. You have to be careful when you are walking; it gets to a point where they are killing our officers.
Before the president uttered such statements, he should address the high cost of living in the Gambia. He should be focused on addressing these issues rather than saying things that will divide the country.”
