Delegates of the main opposition United Democratic Party today leave for a three day Congress retreat in Basse.
Led by the party executive, delegates converged in Banjul before embarking on a journey to Basse. The party Secretary General Lawyer Ousainou Darboe’s car was seen accompanied by a column of vehicles heading to the Upper River Region’s administrative capital.
In a message posted on its Facebook page, the party confirmed the delegates left for Basse as early as 1 PM.
“Each region has sent in their delegates. However, currently the amount of people expected to travel to Basse is beyond capacity. Since yesterday some people travelled from Niumi and Baddibou to cross over to Banjul. The Kombo organisers will take charge of Kombo North, East, South. We have our formidable Brikama team taking care of Central and surrounding. The whole of Serrekunda is divided between area chairmen and women. UDP acknowledged your determination to be at Basse. But any member is designated to be part of the welcoming, fall in line and abide by the instructions. We want an orderly procession to Basse. Baba Galleh Jallow and team will take charge of Kombo North and other areas. Safe journey crew. One Gambia, one people.”
The energy-filled entourage was excited to receive warm greetings in the Fonis. This is the first time people in the ruling party stronghold have shown open support for the opposition party that has been amassing momentum across the country.
At last check, the convoy crossed the Bremen Bridge at Kalagi without any obstruction or hindrance. The convoy stopped at Jarra Soma bureau for mid-day prayers before proceeding.
The UDP’s goal is to direct energetic supporters around the party’s team building spirit and positive thinking. “We will depart in peace. However, any attempt by the regime to obstruct our movement will be met with firm resistance,” the party wrote, hoping Gambian security would not dare repeat last year’s Fass Njagga Choi style stand-off. The police blockaded the party’s countrywide caravan tour, resulting to a standoff that generated great momentum for the UDP. The standoff deescalated and the opposition continued its tour without hiccups and blights.
The party thanked “all those who donated generously to this important party endeavours.” It especially extended gratefulness to Gambians in the Diaspora for making the much-awaited congress a reality.
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