The Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) witnessed a surge of grassroots energy this weekend as Ba Wiyea Kujabi, a former United Democratic Party (UDP) mobiliser, crossed over to the GDC with more than 300 women from Manduwar Jamwelly and Brikama Santu Su.
The event, hosted at Honourable Mama Kandeh’s residence in Kitty, was more than a political ceremony it was a community gathering that reflected shifting loyalties and a renewed sense of purpose among ordinary Gambians. Women dressed in vibrant traditional attire filled the compound, singing and dancing as they pledged their support to the GDC.
For many of the women, the move was not just about politics but about belonging. “We want to be part of something that listens to us,” one attendee explained. “Our voices matter, and we believe this is where we will be heard.” Their presence underscored the growing role of women in shaping the political landscape, particularly in Brikama Santu Su, where grassroots mobilization has long been a decisive force.
Honourable Mama Kandeh, visibly moved by the turnout, welcomed Kujabi and the new members with words of encouragement. He emphasised that their decision symbolized a desire for stronger leadership and unity. Yet, in a notable clarification, Kandeh reminded supporters that he is not a candidate in the upcoming December 2026 presidential election. Instead, he urged them to support President Adama Barrow, who remains the candidate for the election.
Observers noted that Kujabi’s defection, coupled with the mass mobilization of women, could reshape local dynamics in Brikama Santu Su. While the GDC is not fielding a presidential candidate, its growing influence at the grassroots level may play a pivotal role in consolidating support for Barrow.
The Kitty gathering was a vivid reminder that Gambian politics is often decided not in boardrooms but in courtyards, where communities come together to chart their future. For the GDC, the day marked a milestone in its journey of expansion, and for the women of Manduwar Jamwelly and Brikama Santu Su, it was a declaration of their political agency.
