United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Lawyer Ousainou Darboe has strongly condemned Imam Daaru Sanyang over what he described as tribal and discriminatory remarks directed at Mayor Ahmed Talib Bensouda and his wife.

Darboe said the remarks made by Imam Daaru Sanyang should not be associated with the UDP, stressing that the party does not support tribalism or discrimination.

“Those are his words, but not a UDP statement. Because UDP doesn’t discriminate against anyone and doesn’t support discrimination,” Darboe said.

He specifically rejected the use of tribal identity to attack Mayor Ahmed Talib Bensouda and his family, saying such comments are unacceptable.

“If he said Talib’s wife is a Futaanka, my mother is a Futaanka,” Darboe said.

The UDP leader urged Gambians to reject tribal politics and warned those who use tribal remarks against political opponents.

“People should stop this tribalism, and anyone doing it is doing it at their worst. Therefore, we condemn Imam Daaru Sanyang’s discriminatory and tribal remarks,” he said.

Darboe said he does not want to lead a country divided along tribal lines.

“I don’t want to lead a divided country or a country divided on tribal lines,” he said.

He further warned that anyone using tribal utterances against Mayor Ahmed Talib Bensouda would face his condemnation.

“Anyone using tribal utterances, especially against Talib, you’re condemned and you’re doing it at your peril,” Darboe said.

He also rejected attempts to link him or the UDP to tribalism, arguing that some individuals making such accusations are themselves engaging in tribal politics.

Darboe said such conduct does not represent the values of the UDP and could damage the party.

“UDP has never supported tribalism and will never support it,” he said.

By Adama Makasuba