Citizens’ Alliance executive member Raffie Diab has accused suspected supporters of the United Democratic Party (UDP) of attacking his office, smashing windows and vandalising his vehicle in an incident he says left his staff barricaded inside the premises.

In a statement recounting the incident, Diab said he was in his office attending to work when one of his customers, whom he described as a staunch UDP supporter, informed him that UDP leader Ousainu Darboe, popularly known as Baba, was approaching the area.

According to Diab, the customer encouraged him to step outside to wave at the veteran politician and exchange greetings as he passed.

He said he subsequently went outside and waited for Darboe to pass, but the situation allegedly took an unpleasant turn when some UDP supporters began insulting him.

Diab said he decided to return to his office to avoid further confrontation and continue with his work.

However, he claimed that shortly afterwards, he began hearing screams and shouting outside. When he came out to establish what was happening, he was shocked to find his staff barricaded inside the premises, with the main gate locked, while stones were allegedly being thrown and windows smashed.

He also alleged that his vehicle was vandalised during the incident.

Describing the incident as unnecessary, the Citizens’ Alliance executive member called on political supporters to exercise restraint and avoid turning political differences into violence.

“This amount of violence is really not necessary. Let’s all have our political banter online and move on,” he said.

Diab further criticised what he described as anger among some UDP supporters, arguing that such behaviour could contribute to the party’s repeated rejection by Gambian voters.

He urged political supporters to respect differences of opinion and engage in peaceful political discussions rather than resorting to intimidation, violence or destruction of property.

Diab disclosed that he had reported the matter to the police, who had since launched an investigation into the incident.

The alleged attack comes amid heightened political activities ahead of The Gambia’s December 5, 2026 presidential election.

By Adama Makasuba