Political parties condemn use of force against NDP’s Kebba Madi
Opposition political parties such as the United Democratic Party (UDP), APP-Sobeyaa and UNITE have condemned the use of force against National Democratic Party (NDP) Leader Kebba Madi Bojang amid a viral video circulating on social media showing officers of the Gambia Immigration Department allegedly arresting Mr Bojang in a forceful manner.
Below reads their reactions:
UDP
The United Democratic Party (UDP) has taken note of a video currently circulating on social media showing officers of the Gambia Immigration Department allegedly using excessive force against the leader of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Mr. Kebba Madi Bojang.
The UDP unequivocally condemns the apparent excessive use of force displayed in the video. While we do not seek to prejudice any ongoing investigation or undermine the lawful authority of the country’s security services to carry out arrests and conduct investigations within their constitutional mandate, such powers must always be exercised within the confines of the law and with full respect for the fundamental rights, dignity, and due process rights of every individual.
From his brief interview with the media, Mr. Bojang believes the incident was politically motivated. Whether or not that allegation is ultimately substantiated, it underscores the importance of ensuring that all actions taken by state security institutions are transparent, lawful, and beyond reproach.
As The Gambia approaches the 2026 presidential election campaign, interactions between members of the security services and political actors are likely to become more frequent. It is therefore imperative that all security institutions remain politically neutral, professional, impartial, and fully committed to upholding the constitutional rights of every Gambian, irrespective of political affiliation. What occurred today involving Mr. Kebba Madi Bojang serves as a reminder that the rights guaranteed under our Constitution must be protected equally for all citizens.
The UDP therefore calls on the Government and the leadership of the security services to strengthen training and operational guidance for all personnel, particularly those who will be deployed during the campaign and election period. Special emphasis should be placed on human rights, the proportional use of force, crowd management, political neutrality, de-escalation techniques, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
The credibility of our democratic process depends not only on free, fair, and transparent elections, but also on the professionalism, impartiality, and restraint exercised by the institutions entrusted with protecting the rights and liberties of all citizens.
The UDP reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the rule of law, peaceful political engagement, democratic governance, and the protection of the constitutional rights and freedoms of every Gambian.
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APP-Sobeyaa
APP-Sobeyaa has expressed deep concern over recent reports and videos circulating on social media, particularly those shared by the Kerr Fatou platform, alleging that Kebba Madi Bojang, leader of the National Democratic Party (NDP), was manhandled by officers of the Gambia Immigration Department.
The party stated that if these allegations are accurate, such conduct deserves unequivocal condemnation. “Political competition must never become a justification for intimidation, harassment, or the misuse of state institutions to silence opponents,” APP-Sobeyaa emphasized.
The statement recalled The Gambia’s painful history of arbitrary rule and highlighted the lessons of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations process, which gave rise to the national commitment of “Never Again.” APP-Sobeyaa warned that those words must remain a guiding principle for public institutions and officials, not just a slogan.
Referencing the 2016 democratic transition, the party noted that Gambians consciously rejected tyranny, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation, choosing instead a republic built on justice, accountability, and respect for human dignity. “We cannot remain silent whenever actions appear to undermine those hard-earned democratic gains, irrespective of the political affiliation of the victim,” the statement read.
While reminding citizens and non-citizens alike of their duty to obey the laws of the Republic, APP-Sobeyaa stressed that enforcement must itself be lawful. State institutions, it said, must act professionally, proportionately, and within constitutional limits.
The party called on President Adama Barrow’s government to ensure transparency and accountability in handling the matter. It urged that where credible evidence of misconduct exists, an independent investigation should be conducted, and any officer found culpable must be held accountable.
“Public confidence in our institutions depends not on the absence of mistakes but on the willingness of the state to correct them when they occur,” APP-Sobeyaa declared.
The party reaffirmed its stance against political persecution in all forms, warning that today’s victim may be an opposition leader, but tomorrow it could be an ordinary Gambian citizen. Its commitment, it said, is to principles: the rule of law, constitutional governance, democratic freedoms, and equal protection for all.
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“The democratic future of The Gambia depends on our collective resolve to ensure that the mistakes of our past are never repeated,” the statement concluded.
UNITE
A high-powered delegation from UNITE today visited Kebba Madi to express solidarity and support following the draconian actions taken against him and his business partner by the security forces.
Enough is enough. If such treatment can be meted out to Kebba Madi today, it can happen to any other opposition figure tomorrow. This is not the democracy Gambians struggled and sacrificed for.
A democratic society must uphold justice, respect human rights, and protect citizens from intimidation and abuse of power. UNITE stands firmly against all forms of political persecution and selective targeting.
The voices of the people will not be silenced.
Source: The Point
