Kebba Madi Bojang, leader of the proposed National Development Party, has denied allegations linking him to a tragic migrant boat journey that left hundreds of young people from the Jambur community dead.

Addressing his supporters, Bojang responded to growing accusations that he played a role in organising the backway journey, a perilous route taken by many Gambians attempting to reach Europe.

“There is no one who can say I have received money to transport their children through the backway,” Bojang said, adding “I had no business on that trip, and it saddened me when the tragic accident occurred.”

Bojang, who is from the same community, described the claims as politically motivated and baseless.

“I have always been against the backway journey. And if anybody has evidence that I sponsored the tragic Jambur backway boat accident, I challenge you to sue me. I want this to be very clear.”

The incident, which occurred last year, shocked the nation after a boat carrying hundreds of migrants capsized, leaving scores of young Gambians dead or missing at sea.

Bojang also used the platform to confirm his permanent departure from his former political party, accusing some of his former colleagues of orchestrating a smear campaign.

“I want to tell members of my former party, because I respect them, that I have left for good,” he said. “I haven’t disrespected or criticised anyone, but they must stop what they are doing. They will fail in their plots.”

Vowing to move forward with plans for his new political movement, Bojang said: “I will never go back. I am ready for anything, even if it means going to Mile Two, but I will make sure this party happens.”

He said that the accusations were part of a campaign against him following his political exit. “All these talks are being generated because I left the party.”

By Adama Makasuba