The Gambia Bar Association has accused President Barrow of setting up his youth movement for his personal agenda and to strengthen his political base.

Rachael Mendy, the association’s president, said the Barrow youth movement was sowing the seeds of disunity among the youth at a time when the country was clamouring for solidarity to address the many social ills.

“We are opposed to the action taken recently to resuscitate the establishment of a youth movement based on a personal agenda. Such action can only result in the perpetuation of disunity among the youth who should now be encouraged to work in harmony in credible social activities.”

Mendy, who was speaking at the ceremony to mark The Gambia’s Legal Year, said her association was opposed to any organisation promoting discord and disunity in the country. She said her association was committed to the promotion of peace, national unity and the rule of law.

“As an instrument within the judicial system, the association will step up its contribution towards the country’s growth and development that will engender peace and national unity.

“The paramount quest of the Bar Association has been, and will always be, for the Constitution and its provisions in regard to the rights and freedom of the citizen to be upheld and be regarded by all authority as sacrosanct; for the rule of law to be observed by all, and the independence of the Judiciary respected. In our opinion, the independence of the Judiciary is an issue, which is so important and critical to our progress as a nation that it requires to be given constant attention.”

The President Barrow Youth for National Development (PBYND) was set up in 2018, according to its supporters, to promote the development programmes of President Barrow. However, many suspect the group was a political party all but in name to further the political ambitions of President Barrow.

Barrow had recently fallen out with his political godfather, Ousainou Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) due to Barrow’s bid for a second term. The PBYND has been seen as a staging post for Barrow’s re-election and the UDP had considered the group a threat to them.