UDP Pledges Expanded Diaspora Political Rights and Investment Opportunities Under New Policy

By Jarra News Media Staff Reporter

The Secretary General and Party Leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), H.E. ANM Ousainu Darboe, has unveiled an ambitious Diaspora Engagement and Participation Policy, promising sweeping reforms aimed at strengthening the political, economic, and developmental role of Gambians living abroad if elected president in the 2026 elections.

Addressing Gambians at home and abroad, Darboe described the Gambian diaspora as an integral part of the nation, acknowledging its longstanding contribution through remittances, investment, education, and community support. He argued that despite these sacrifices, Gambians living overseas have remained largely excluded from the country’s political and electoral processes.

Darboe said a UDP-led government would guarantee the voting rights of eligible Gambians residing abroad by introducing secure and accessible diaspora voting mechanisms in collaboration with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). According to him, the party would amend electoral laws to eliminate legal and administrative barriers preventing qualified Gambians overseas from participating in presidential, parliamentary, and referendum elections.

The UDP leader also pledged constitutional and legal reforms to allow qualified dual citizens to serve in public office based on merit, competence, and national interest. He further promised that dual citizens would be allowed to contest National Assembly elections under clearly defined diaspora constituency arrangements, giving Gambians abroad direct legislative representation.

On economic development, Darboe said the UDP views the diaspora as more than a source of remittances, describing overseas Gambians as a strategic engine for national growth. He pledged equal access for diaspora investors to national investment programmes, particularly in agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, housing, infrastructure, digital innovation, and the creative industries.

He also promised to introduce Diaspora Bonds, reduce remittance transaction costs, and work with financial institutions to develop savings and investment products tailored to the needs of Gambians living abroad. In addition, he said diaspora investors would be given equal opportunities to participate in public-private partnership ventures involving state-owned enterprises under transparent procedures.

Darboe further announced plans to establish a Diaspora Think Tank comprising Gambian professionals and experts abroad to provide policy advice, research, and technical expertise to the government. He said a UDP administration would also introduce skills transfer programmes and engage diaspora professionals as consultants and technical advisers in key sectors, including health, education, infrastructure, technology, and public finance.

To strengthen institutional support, the UDP leader pledged to reinforce the Diaspora Affairs Directorate within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by expanding its mandate, increasing resources, and enhancing its operational authority. He also promised stronger consular services, the creation of a national diaspora skills and investment database, and programmes to support Gambians wishing to return home through employment and business opportunities.

Darboe added that a UDP government would prioritise the participation of diaspora youth and women, encourage mentorship programmes linking overseas professionals with young Gambians, and support innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives driven by diaspora expertise.

Concluding his address, Darboe said transparency, accountability, and fairness would underpin all diaspora-related policies. He pledged to establish permanent channels of dialogue between the government and Gambians abroad, stressing that the diaspora should be regarded as a valued national development partner rather than merely a source of remittances.

The policy forms part of the UDP’s campaign platform ahead of the 2026 presidential election, with Darboe reaffirming his commitment to building what he described as “a democratic, prosperous, and inclusive Gambia” where all citizens, regardless of where they reside, have an equal opportunity to contribute to national development.”