A growing number of Gambians on social media are calling for reconciliation between President Adama Barrow and outspoken Gambian-Finnish pensioner Lang Sonko Nkee.
Once members of the same political party, the United Democratic Party (UDP), the two have taken opposing paths since Barrow formed his own political party, the National People’s Party (NPP). Since then, Lang Sonko has been openly critical of Barrow and his administration, often sharing audio messages online.
In a recent viral WhatsApp voice note, Lang Sonko escalated tensions by challenging President Barrow to a physical fight in a forest between Dumboto and Bajana in the Lower River Region.
Lang Sonko also made headlines for being the first Gambian to file a police complaint against a sitting president. He accused Barrow of instructing telecommunications provider Africell to block his SIM card.
Calls for peace are mounting. Facebook user Kebba Yassin Boye jokingly wrote on the Grand Bantaba: “I think Modou Turo Darboe should step in and reconcile Uncle Lang and His Excellency. We need peace.”
Another commenter, Maba J Bah, wrote: “Adama Barrow should invite this man and resolve whatever issues are between them. We need peace.”
A source at the State House revealed that President Barrow actually enjoys listening to Lang Sonko’s audio criticisms. He’s said to be unaware of any personal conflict between himself and his former UDP colleague.