Lawyer Borry S. Touray, a senior figure in the United Democratic Party (UDP), has been charged with incitement to violence following remarks he reportedly made during an internal party gathering last week.

Police said Mr Touray was summoned to the Police Headquarters on Thursday for questioning after failing to appear on Tuesday due to what he described as a health condition. Officers later confirmed that he had been formally charged.

The UDP expressed serious concern over the summons and subsequent charge against its national executive member. In a statement, the party described the timing and circumstances surrounding the police action as “highly troubling,” and suggested that the move could have political motivations. It added that Mr Touray’s comments had been taken out of context and did not amount to a call for violence.

However, the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) strongly condemned the remarks attributed to Mr Touray.

The party called his comments “irresponsible and dangerous” and urged him to withdraw them publicly. The NPP said political leaders must exercise restraint, especially during a period of heightened political activity.

Police investigators have reviewed video and audio recordings from the closed-door event.

Mr Touray has not commented publicly since the charge was announced.