First Lady of The Gambia accused of blocking opposition leader from ferry

A confrontation occurred at a Banjul ferry terminal involving Gambian First Lady Fatoumata Bah-Barrow and Ebrima Dibba, the national president of the UNITE Party.

Witnesses and Dibba reported that the First Lady attempted to prevent Dibba from boarding a ferry bound for Barra. Dibba alleged the First Lady accused him of defamation regarding her previous role as a protocol officer in Saudi Arabia. Following the incident, Lamin Bojang, the head of security at Gambia Ferry Services, claimed he was verbally instructed by General Manager Fabakary Manka to stay home until Friday after allowing Dibba's vehicle onto the terminal complex.

The Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services has denied the allegations of political discrimination. The ministry released a statement describing the claims as “false and baseless,” asserting that Dibba was permitted to board the vessel and that public institutions must operate with professionalism and fairness.