Melville Robertson Roberts, a Gambian legal practitioner and social commentator, has resigned from the United Democratic Party (UDP), citing the party’s silence over unresolved allegations surrounding former Justice Minister Ba Tambadou.

In a statement released, Mr Roberts criticised the UDP’s leadership for what he called a “disgraceful” lack of transparency and accountability, particularly in relation to the disposal of assets linked to former President Yahya Jammeh.

“This decision does not come lightly,” he said.

“I have been a committed member, believing in the UDP’s professed values of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, values I held dear, and which once gave me hope for a better Gambia.”

Mr Roberts accused the party of abandoning its principles by continuing to endorse Mr Tambadou despite serious and unresolved concerns.

He said the leadership’s silence had left loyal members “without explanation” and questioned whether accountability within the party was reserved only for the powerless.

“Hope without action is hypocrisy,” he said, adding that “Is this the same UDP that has long prided itself on being the voice of reason and reform? If it were an ordinary party member at the centre of such controversy, would the UDP still be mute?”

In an earlier open letter, Mr Roberts had called on the UDP to model ethical leadership and distinguish itself from what he sees as a lack of accountability in the current government.

However, he now believes the party has failed that test.

“Silence, in this case, speaks volumes,” he added. “Until the UDP finds its voice again and its backbone, I cannot, in good conscience, continue to stand under its banner.”

Despite his resignation, Mr Roberts expressed continued admiration for UDP leader Ousainou Darboe, noting he would never speak ill of him or the party membership.

However, he made clear that personal respect would not override his principles.

There has been no immediate response from the UDP leadership to his resignation.

By Adama Makasuba