Gambia President Barrow Calls for Discipline as Opposition Accuses Him of Personal Attacks

President Adama Barrow launched the National People’s Party (NPP) 2026 manifesto and a nine‑point development agenda at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre. In his speech he urged supporters, diplomats and coalition partners to remain disciplined, respectful and focused, stressing that national progress requires stability, infrastructure projects, job creation and improvements to schools and health facilities. Barrow highlighted the role of youth and women in the agenda and framed the manifesto as a continuation of a decade of democratic development.

The opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) immediately criticised Barrow’s remarks, accusing him of a “politics of personal attacks” after he referenced former opposition leader Ousainu Darboe’s past hip injury. UDP media chief Saikou Camara said the president’s style undermines democratic values and alleged that relatives of political opponents have faced arrests for exercising free expression and peaceful assembly.