UTGSU swearing‑in crisis deepens as ministers‑elect refuse oath over Arturo’s exclusion

By Alieu Jallow

Tensions at the University of The Gambia Students’ Union (UTGSU) have escalated after a group of ministers‑elect vowed not to take their oaths unless deputy sports nominee Modou Lamin Jallow — “Arturo” — is sworn in with them.

The faction, speaking in a joint statement read by Finance Minister‑elect Musa Badjie, says Arturo was unfairly rejected despite meeting the Judicial Tribunal’s criteria and years of service in student governance and sports. “We will not be sworn in without Arturo,” the statement declares.

Ministers‑elect accuse union leaders of political bias and institutional manipulation, alleging Arturo’s exclusion was driven by factional rivalries rather than competence. “Arturo did not merely qualify. He stood among the most experienced nominees in the room,” the group says, citing his roles on multiple UTGSU committees and his leadership of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities football team to victory in the 2022 Vice‑Chancellor tournament.

The dispute reportedly intensified during the inauguration on 16 May, when Arturo was allegedly denied a pledge form while other approved deputies received theirs publicly. “What was done to Arturo on the 16th of May was done in front of hundreds of witnesses,” the ministers‑elect say, adding that the Judicial Tribunal’s decision appeared preordained. “That is not due process. That is a coordinated act of institutional manipulation.”

The standoff has begun to affect union operations. Newly elected Technical and Logistics Minister Ebrima Susso warned he would not arrange student bus schedules with the Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSC) until the issue is resolved. The ministers‑elect also raised concerns about outgoing executives allegedly refusing to hand over UTGSU assets, deepening uncertainty around the transition.

Some students have criticised the impasse, saying internal rivalries are threatening the union’s unity and functionality. The protesting ministers‑elect insist their boycott is rooted in “justice, fairness, and solidarity” and that they remain committed to fulfilling campaign promises. “We have not forgotten the promises we made to the students who elected us,” the statement adds.

The ministers‑elect say they will continue to resist what they describe as intimidation and political pressure until Arturo is officially sworn in alongside the rest of the 24th Executive Council.