Ousainu Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and its designated 2026 presidential flag-bearer, recently unveiled the party’s Diaspora Engagement and Participation Commitment. He stated that the initiative aims to transform the diaspora from "a mere source of remittances into a powerful engine for growth." Darboe emphasized the importance of trust, asserting, "Let me be clear, trust is the foundation for any partnership." This commitment, he explained, is central to the party's vision for national development, recognizing the significant potential of Gambians living abroad.
The UDP leader pledged that for a UDP government, "transparency, accountability, and fair play will be an uncompromising policy stance in all local and diaspora-related considerations." He clarified that the diaspora would be regarded "not as an ATM, or an afterthought, but as a strategic national development partner of value." Darboe added, "This policy is a commitment. No Gambian will be left behind. The diaspora will no longer be passive observers of national progress, but full participants and equal stakeholders." He concluded that "Our nation must benefit from global exposure, international experience, and professional excellence." These principles, Darboe stressed, would guide all interactions and policies concerning the diaspora, ensuring their integral role in the country's future. He further elaborated that the party's approach is designed to foster genuine partnership and mutual respect, moving beyond conventional views of diaspora contributions.
Core Policy Pillars
Ousainu Darboe declared that a United Democratic Party (UDP)-led administration would treat transparency, accountability, and fair play as an uncompromising policy stance in all dealings with Gambians, both at home and in the diaspora. Darboe emphasized that trust forms the foundation for any partnership, showing its importance in the party’s approach. He further stated the party's commitment that no Gambian would be left behind under a UDP government. This pledge signifies a holistic approach to national development that includes all citizens, regardless of their location.
The UDP leader articulated that the nation must benefit from global exposure, international experience, and professional excellence, noting the value of diaspora contributions. Darboe also insisted that the UDP intends to establish permanent platforms for dialogue, fostering continuous engagement between the government and the diaspora. These measures aim to integrate the diaspora more fully into national development initiatives, according to Darboe. The proposed platforms are intended to ensure consistent communication and collaboration on national issues, allowing for direct input and feedback from Gambians abroad. He showed that these dialogues would be structured to facilitate actionable outcomes and strengthen the bonds between the diaspora and their homeland.
Diaspora Rights and Representation
Ousainu Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), affirmed that the Gambian diaspora would transition from passive observers to full participants and equal stakeholders in national affairs. Darboe emphasized that citizenship extends beyond mere paperwork, encompassing loyalty, service, and commitment. This broader definition of citizenship aims to validate the contributions and identity of Gambians living outside the country.
According to Darboe, a UDP government would guarantee the Gambian diaspora the right to vote in presidential, parliamentary, and referendum elections. This fundamental right, he noted, is key for ensuring that the diaspora has a direct voice in shaping the nation's leadership and policies. The party leader also indicated that a UDP administration would undertake reforms to laws that currently prevent dual citizens from serving in public office. This reform is designed to remove existing barriers and allow a wider pool of talented individuals to contribute to public service. Darboe stated that a UDP government would establish specific pathways for diaspora candidates to seek election to the National Assembly. These measures aim to integrate the diaspora more fully into the political and developmental processes of The Gambia, ensuring their representation at the highest levels of government. He stressed that these changes are vital for leveraging the diverse skills and experiences of the diaspora for national benefit.
Economic Partnership and Investment
Ousainu Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), stated that Gambians abroad would be treated not as an ATM or an afterthought, but as a strategic national development partner of value. He further articulated that the UDP aims to transform the diaspora from "a mere source of remittances into a powerful engine for growth." This transformation is central to the party's economic vision, seeking to maximize the economic potential of the diaspora.
Under a UDP government, preferential investment access would be offered to the diaspora. This includes tailored opportunities and incentives designed to encourage their financial participation in key sectors of the Gambian economy. The party also intends to establish diaspora bonds as a financial instrument, providing a structured and secure avenue for Gambians abroad to invest directly in national development projects. Additionally, a formal Diaspora Think Tank would be created to feed expertise into policy development, ensuring that the government benefits from the professional knowledge and global perspectives of the diaspora. Darboe indicated that diaspora investors would receive equal consideration in national programmes, ensuring fairness and transparency in all investment opportunities. They would also gain preferential access to key sectors, including agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, housing, infrastructure, digital innovation, and creative industries. These targeted sectors represent areas of significant growth potential where diaspora investment and expertise can have a profound impact, contributing to job creation and sustainable economic development across The Gambia.
