Landing B. Sanneh, chairman of the Mansakonko Area Council, has predicted victory for the United Democratic Party (UDP) in the December 5 presidential election, especially in the Lower River Region, citing economic hardship, agricultural challenges, youth unemployment and concerns over a possible third term as factors that could weaken President Adama Barrow’s support.
Speaking in an interview with our senior reporter yesterday, Sanneh said growing public dissatisfaction with the government had strengthened the opposition’s prospects, expressing confidence that the UDP could unseat the incumbent.
He argued that Gambians were increasingly conscious of constitutional governance and would oppose any attempt to extend presidential tenure beyond acceptable limits.
“The people believe that nobody should want to go for a third term,” he said, suggesting that expectations surrounding presidential term limits could influence voters’ decisions.
Sanneh also criticised the government’s handling of agriculture, particularly stagnant groundnut prices and declining yields, which he said were affecting farmers, especially in the Lower River Region.
He called for increased investment in horticulture and agricultural initiatives to support women and young people, arguing that creating employment opportunities could help address rural poverty and irregular migration.
Sanneh also expressed concern over tribal rhetoric and hate speech, warning that divisive politics could deepen social tensions. He cited protests over water and electricity shortages, alongside student demonstrations, as indications of growing public frustration.
Despite his confidence in the UDP’s electoral prospects, Sanneh said the party was not taking victory for granted and was intensifying its mobilisation efforts ahead of the election.
“We are working day and night. Of course, we are not complacent. We are closing the ranks to make sure that Barrow is out of the State House by December 5,” he said.
He described the Lower River Region as a traditional UDP stronghold, arguing that the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) would face difficulties winning support amid growing dissatisfaction with the government.
Beyond domestic politics, Sanneh called for a reassessment of the continued presence of Senegalese troops in The Gambia, arguing that the country should gradually assume full responsibility for its security.
He acknowledged that regional forces were deployed during the 2016–2017 political crisis following former president Yahya Jammeh’s refusal to relinquish power after losing the presidential election. However, he questioned why foreign troops remained years after the crisis.
“If there is anything special that the Ecomig can do that the Gambian soldiers cannot do, it should not take them more than five years to transfer that skill and knowledge,” he said.
Sanneh argued that Gambian security personnel were capable of protecting the country and raised concerns about foreign troops stationed at strategic locations, including the State House and parts of the Fonis.
He stressed that his criticism was not directed at the Senegalese people, acknowledging the historical ties between the two countries while insisting that cooperation should respect Gambian sovereignty.
“We have nothing against the Senegalese, but our country is our country,” he said.
He also called for greater economic independence, improved port facilities and increased employment opportunities for Gambian youths.
LG Commission
Asked about the Local Government Commission’s ongoing process, Sanneh said he had received a request to attend questioning and had complied.
“I went. I have done my bit. So I am waiting for them,” he said, adding that he would respond to any further communication from the relevant authorities.
Sanneh urged President Barrow to prepare for a peaceful departure from office, warning that economic hardship, political tensions and divisive rhetoric could have serious consequences for national stability.
“We want Barrow to start packing and leave the State House because his continuous presence there is not doing any good for the country,” he said.
