Gambia's opposition parties, the United Democratic Party (UDP) and UNITE Party, have strongly condemned remarks made by Lands Minister Hamat Bah at a ruling National People's Party (NPP) alliance rally in Farafenni on September 26, 2026. Bah's comments have sparked widespread criticism, with the opposition parties labeling them as divisive rhetoric intended to distract from governance issues. The rally was attended by President Adama Barrow.
During the rally, Bah made several contentious statements, including claims that the UDP was targeting specific ethnic groups during the recent supplementary voter registration. He alleged that the UDP was focusing on the Wolof and Fula ethnic groups, and that 90% of the people the UDP objects to are from these two groups. Bah also made remarks about the country's history, referencing the Saloum Empire, Fulladu Empire, and Niani Empire.
Bah's comments also touched on the topic of ancestry, with him stating that "Gambia will never be Lebanon" and that "no foreigner will run this country." These remarks are widely seen as targeting a candidate whose ancestry has become a campaign talking point. Additionally, Bah claimed that a UDP government would sack civil servants and replace them with Gambians in the diaspora.
In response to Bah's remarks, the UDP released a statement on September 27, expressing concern over the minister's comments. The party said that Gambians deserve a debate centered on governance, policies, and performance, not ethnicity, ancestry, nationality, or fear. The UDP also questioned Bah's record as former Tourism Minister, citing parliamentary scrutiny of eco-lodge projects awarded to Lerr Group.
The UNITE Party also condemned Bah's comments, calling them "a dangerous descent into ethnic politics that must not be tolerated." The party stated that this type of rhetoric is becoming a trademark of the NPP government and is very dangerous for Gambia's democracy and national cohesion. UNITE urged President Barrow to publicly condemn the remarks, warning that silence "will be interpreted as endorsement."
UNITE further emphasized that the Gambia belongs to all Gambians, regardless of their ethnic background or where their great-grandparents came from. The party argued that no Gambian should have to prove that they are Gambian enough because of the ethnic origin of their great-grandparents. This rhetoric is seen as a deliberate attempt to distract from pressing issues such as poverty, crime, electricity, financial mismanagement, and governance failures.
The UDP and UNITE parties' condemnation of Hamat Bah's remarks highlights the growing concern over the use of ethnic politics in Gambia's upcoming elections. The incident has sparked a national conversation about the need for issue-based campaigns and the dangers of divisive rhetoric. As the election approaches, it remains to be seen how the various parties will navigate these complex issues and promote a more inclusive and constructive political discourse.
Key points
- Opposition parties condemn Hamat Bah's remarks as divisive rhetoric.
- UDP questions Bah's record as former Tourism Minister.
- UNITE urges President Barrow to publicly condemn the remarks.
