Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has reflected on his arrest and detention alongside his daughter, Fanta Darboe, in 2016 following a protest demanding the release of the late political activist Ebrima Solo Sandeng.

Speaking at the UDP Diaspora Convention in Seattle, Darboe praised his daughters for their continued support and love, adding that he feels nostalgic seeing them grow into responsible members of society.

“When I was arrested on the 16th of April 2016, she was also arrested,” Darboe told delegates.

“Both of us were detained at the Police Intervention Unit. I was the first to arrive, then she was brought in.

“I was lying on the bare concrete floor at the police headquarters when she was suddenly brought in. She sat next to me and said, ‘Baba, don’t worry, everything will be fine,’” he recounted.

Darboe’s arrest followed the death in custody of Ebrima Solo Sandeng, a UDP youth leader who was detained after leading a peaceful protest demanding electoral reforms.

His death sparked national outrage and drew international condemnation.

In response, Darboe, who was then the UDP’s Secretary General, led a second protest demanding justice for Sandeng and the release of other party members.

He and more than 20 others, including his daughter Fanta, were arrested and charged with unlawful assembly.

The incident became a defining moment in Gambian politics, leading unified opposition forces ahead of the December 2016 presidential election, in which Jammeh was defeated by Adama Barrow.

After Barrow’s victory, Darboe and others were released from prison. He later served as Foreign Minister and Vice President before parting ways with Barrow’s government.

By Adama Makasuba