CONFESSIONS OF A POLITICALLY CONFUSED GAMBIAN - Alhassan Darboe

I’ll be honest - I might just be the most politically confused Gambian out there.

I genuinely support the infrastructural progress President Barrow is making. And credit where it’s due - his Minister of Higher Education, Pierre Gomez, is doing an outstanding job with STEM and the expansion of TVET centers across the country. That’s real work with real impact.

But here’s where I struggle: he’s surrounded by too many clueless, underqualified advisers who are doing nothing but politicking on taxpayers’ money. They’re not helping the country move forward - they’re campaigning for NPP full-time.

It breaks me to see poor Gambians—children, mothers, and fathers - begging online to fund overseas medical treatments. They die simply because they can’t afford to live. A poor country cannot afford to run on capitalist principles that neglect its people.

I once loved and supported UDP - until I saw how they behaved during the coalition government. Maybe it was perception, maybe reality. And some of their toxic supporters online made it worse. I still believe it’s a party with great potential and smart people at the top. But right now? I’m not sure I’m a fan.

Essa Faal was impressive to me. His messaging and vision for the country were solid - until he disrespected donkey cart drivers. That moment killed the connection for me.

Yellow Kasongo? I admired him. He was genuine. Then the system swallowed him. He changed - completely. And if I’m honest, I feel sorry for him. It must take a lot to live with that much compromise and still sleep at night.

As for Mr. GAP Batchilly - he’s a certified liar and scammer. And yet, here we are. How did we let the standard for presidential candidates fall this low?

Sometimes, I sigh and think maybe politics isn’t my lane. Maybe I’m not cut out for organized movements or large group agendas.

I love humanity, just not the chaos that often comes with people, parties, and performative politics.

Alhassan Darboe

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