The United Democratic Party (UDP) has eulogised senior party official, politician and women campaigner Nogoi Njie who died on Monday night aged 58 after protracted illness.

Njie was among dozen of Gambians mostly from United Democratic Party who were arrested, tortured and jailed for opposing the Jammeh dictatorship.

In a statement the UDP said it is “saddened by the passing of Aja Nogoi Njie. Aja was the 2nd Vice President of the United Democratic Party women’s wing.

“She served as an adviser and a close confidante to the party leader all through the years and was one of the most defiant through the trials and tribulations of the party and the Gambia leading to her arrest in 2016.

“Today the UDP celebrates the life of an inspiring woman who is among the lights of women’s participation in politics in The Gambia. She led and empowered women’s groups and spoke for them when she was called upon. 

“Nogoi Njie will be missed dearly, she will create a void in all of our hearts. We will keep your memories to remind us all the contributions you’ve done to the growth of the United Democratic Party.”   

Reporting by Adama Makasuba