In an exclusive interview, Mamadou Kurang, one of the country’s dynamic young politicians and a member of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has opined that Mama Kandeh, the leader of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), is a fading force in the political arena.
Mama Kandeh recently allied with the NPP, endorsing President Adama Barrow’s candidacy. This reporter asked Mr. Kurang if this move by Kandeh will not give the President leverage, ensuring an easy ride over the UDP.
In his response, Mr. Kurang said: “Well, we are not worried about Mama Kandeh. We know that Mama Kande is a fading force. At the moment, Mama Kandeh is like a lot of smoke but no fire, as they say in Mandinka. As you know, his party was already leaving him. Everybody in his party was going to Barrow. So, he just followed. Nobody is following him. He followed his supporters to Barrow. So, we are not worried. That has already been factored in.”
Kurang stressed that the forthcoming presidential election is not about cross-carpeting because of money, like “they are doing”. He said it will be an election about issues, such as market prices, high cost of living, food insecurity, expensive energy and electricity, and the rising cost of housing.
“The rising cost of housing. These are the issues that people are facing. And this is what people are going to vote on in December 2026,”
