President Adama Barrow has publicly stated that he lost in all Mandinka polling stations during the last presidential election in the Lower River Region (LRR).

Speaking to supporters, Barrow, who identifies as Mandinka, expressed frustration over his defeat in these communities, highlighting his heritage as a key point of reference.

“In the last election, I lost almost all Mandinka polling stations in the Lower River Region,” Barrow said.

“I didn’t win a single polling station, and that’s deliberate. I am a Mandinka, and Ousainou Darboe comes to you and says ‘empower Mandinka.’ He comes from Bansang, and I am from Mankanmang Kunda, so who is your neighbour?”

Barrow also referred to the historical resistance of the Mandinka people, noting that they had opposed past leaders, including former Presidents Dawda Jawara and Yahya Jammeh. He suggested that this long-standing tradition of opposition was continuing with his own leadership.

“We, Mandinkas, opposed Jawara, opposed Jammeh, and now we are opposing Adama Barrow. So, is this how you want to continue opposing?” he asked.

The president’s comments have sparked controversy, with critics accusing him of making divisive statements. Some observers argue that his remarks could deepen ethnic divides, particularly given the political climate in the country.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba