Gambia’s main opposition party, the United Democratic Party (UDP), has issued a swift response just hours after the Government released a statement confirming the presence of Cameroonian opposition figure Issa Tchiroma Bakary in the country.
The Government announced that Bakary arrived on 7 November 2025 and is being hosted temporarily on humanitarian grounds.
But the UDP says the two-week delay before informing the public raises serious concerns about transparency in handling sensitive diplomatic and security matters.
While reaffirming The Gambia’s long tradition of humanitarian support and expressing solidarity with Bakary and his family, the UDP argues that the Government’s late disclosure undermines public trust and democratic accountability.
The party insists that Gambians have a right to timely, accurate information, especially on issues with regional implications.
The UDP is calling for a full briefing to the National Assembly and the public, details on the terms of Bakary’s stay, and clarity on any security arrangements.
It urges the Government to commit to proactive transparency moving forward, stressing that good governance must be anchored in openness, responsibility, and respect for citizens.
