Mama Kandeh, leader of Gambia Democratic Congress, has vowed to end deportation of Gambian migrants living in western countries.

Gambians living in European countries, especially Germany have been facing deportation since 2018 amid accusations of the Barrow government signing a deal with the European Union. However, the Gambia government has dismissed the claims as “false”.

Speaking at a political rally in Jimara, Kandeh who lost twice in the past presidential elections, lashed out at the Barrow government for being complicit in the deportation saga and urged Gambians to vote him out of power in 2026.

 “Gambia, let’s wake up. Our youths deserve a good future. We have seen what the government did to our youths after spending lots of money on them to travel to Europe. But under the GDC government, no Gambian will be deported into the country. I see no reason for signing a deportation agreement. This didn’t happen during Yahya Jammeh’s regime then why is it happening now? Then we can say it’s the responsibility of the [Barrow] government,” he said.

Kandeh added: “I don’t say the GDC government will not cooperate with the international community, we don’t say we will not work with the world, but I will not compromise the interest of The Gambia with anyone.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba