𝐔𝐃𝐏’𝐬 𝐘𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐮𝐛𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐨𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞

Yankuba Darboe, Chairman of the Brikama Area Council and a senior member of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has criticised President Adama Barrow, accusing him of attempting to politicise the investigation into the killing of two police officers at the Jabang/Sukuta junction in September 2023.

In a strongly worded statement posted on his Facebook page, Darboe dismissed allegations linking Ousainou Bojang to the fatal shooting, describing the claims as “fabricated” and lacking credibility. He also rejected suggestions that the suspect acted on behalf of UDP leader Ousainou Darboe, himself, or the party.

Darboe argued that many Gambians do not believe the official account and instead suspect that the real perpetrators may be shielded. He said attempts to implicate opposition figures have failed and called on the authorities to pursue what he described as a transparent and credible path to justice.

The UDP official further stated that Ousainou Bojang is neither a member nor a supporter of the party, distancing the UDP from any alleged connection to the incident. He maintained that the party, despite enduring political pressure over the years, has never resorted to violence.

Referencing the era of former President Yahya Jammeh, Darboe noted that the UDP faced significant challenges during that period without engaging in violent acts, arguing that the current accusations are inconsistent with the party’s history.

He concluded by calling for accountability and justice for the slain officers, while maintaining that political pressure would not deter him. Darboe also referenced his past detention, stating that previous arrests had strengthened rather than weakened his political standing.

The September 2023 police killings remain under investigation, with continued public interest and calls for an impartial and thorough process.