Opposition leader Ousainou Darboe has sharply criticised President Adama Barrow and his ruling National People’s Party (NPP), describing the rejection of the 2024 draft constitution as a damning reflection of the president’s leadership.

Speaking at a press briefing, the United Democratic Party (UDP) leader accused Barrow of betraying the country’s democratic aspirations and squandering a critical opportunity for reform.

“The failure of the 2024 draft constitution is an indictment of the president’s hypocrisy, his broken promises, and his disregard for democratic values,” Darboe said.

“This was a historic moment to enshrine term limits, strengthen institutions, and reflect the will of the Gambian people—and it was deliberately squandered.”

He further accused NPP lawmakers of acting in bad faith throughout the process, saying: “They cannot be trusted. They shake hands in public but stab us in the back in private. Their loyalty lies not with the nation, but with political survival.”

The draft constitution, seen as a cornerstone of The Gambia’s post-dictatorship democratic transition, was rejected by parliament after months of political wrangling. Key provisions included presidential term limits and a more robust separation of powers.

Darboe warned that the government’s actions represent a “moral failure” and cautioned that the country risks democratic backsliding without urgent reforms.

The presidency has yet to respond to Darboe’s remarks.

By Adama Makasuba