Kandeh declares President Barrow’s leadership “incompetent”, urges Gambians to back ‘rescue mission’

Written by: Dawda Baldeh

In a charged and politically pointed Eid gathering in Kitty, opposition leader Mamma Kandeh issued a blunt call for national change, urging Gambians to abandon the current administration and rally behind the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) in what he described as a decisive “rescue mission” for the country.

Addressing party supporters and executive members, Kandeh did not hold back in his criticism of President Adama Barrow’s leadership, branding it ineffective. “No one will deny that GDC is a party of competent leadership,” Kandeh declared, adding, “We have been supporting people more than any other party since inception.”

Positioning his party as a viable alternative, Kandeh pointed to GDC-led community interventions, particularly water projects in underserved areas, as evidence of what he described as “real, people-centered leadership” in action. He also framed the upcoming December elections as a defining national moment. “This election will show whether Gambians are truly ready for change that improves their livelihoods,” he said, while welcoming what he described as a growing wave of defections from other parties into the GDC.

The call for expansion and grassroots mobilisation was echoed by Alagie Jawo, Chairman of the GDC Council of Elders, who urged members to recruit new supporters. “Let’s try as much as possible to get others to join. If each of us brings one person, our numbers will grow and together we can take our leader to the State House,” Jawo said.

At the same time, party leadership stressed discipline and accountability within its ranks, with Deputy Council of Elders member Demba Jallow cautioning supporters against reckless public commentary. “Let’s be careful of what we say in the media. Whatever we say reflects on the party, we must get our facts right and remain accountable,” he warned.

Grassroots voices at the event reinforced both support and expectations, as youth leader Lamin Colley praised the party’s efforts while calling for internal reforms. “We are fully behind GDC, but inactive position holders must be replaced,” he said, pledging electoral support for Kandeh.

Community representatives also highlighted tangible needs. Edward Gibba, President of the Kitty Christian community, acknowledged visible development efforts while making a direct appeal: “We want Kandeh to help us with water at our cemetery. We are ready to buy the pipes if given the go-ahead to connect to your borehole,” he said.

Meanwhile, GDC National Women Mobiliser Reme Jagne called for stronger female participation in the party’s political push. “Gambian women are behind Kandeh because he cares about women,” she said.

The event reflects a campaign increasingly focused on accountability, delivery, and political urgency, as elections approach and expectations rise across the political landscape.