Ousainou Darboe, the leader of United Democratic Party, has apologised for accepting former Justice Minister Babadinding Jobarteh into his party.

UDP came under attacks recently for accepting Mr Jobarteh who is accused of serious human rights violations including torture. 

He was welcomed to the party at a rally in CRR where the former minister made statement about Darboe and the UDP party. 

However Mr Darboe has now made a u-turn and said the appearance of Mr Jobarteh at the rally was not “authorised”by the party’s executive committee.

In a statement, the UDP leader said: “an unscripted moment on stage has threatened to blemish what was by several accounts a successful political meeting of the UDP and to detract from the tremendous work that the CRR wing of the Party has invested in the region. 

“The impromptu appearance of Mr. Lamin Jobarteh (Former AG of The Gambia) and his announcement of joining the UDP was not scheduled nor authorised by the National Executive Committee.

“Some members and friends of the UDP have openly expressed their views and concerns on social media and the Party leadership has duly noted their reactions. 

“As mentioned before the appearance was unscheduled and given the informal nature of events of this kind the masters of ceremonies need to have latitude to progress the event to a satisfactory conclusion. So it was within that context that his appearance happened.

“Whilst it is pointless to blame anyone, with hindsight it was an error of judgement to accord Mr. Jorbateh the honour of speaking on a UDP stage.

“As a victim and as the party leader of the UDP I take full responsibility for this lapse in judgement and hereby unreservedly apologise to our members and the Gambian people at large. 

“I wish to reassure all compatriots of the unwavering resolve of the UDP to see that justice will be done without fear or favour ill-will or affection to all.”

“No member can rely on the UDP for support or protection, because human rights violations are not only against the law of the land, but against the values and principles of the UDP,” he added.

He said UDP believes that “a socio-political system in which there is no accountability for one’s actions and inactions is a dysfunctional one and by implication will be unable to sustain the rule of law, good governance and true practice of democracy”.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba