RDB4Life

BIOGRAPHY OF HIS EXCELLENCY A.N.M OUSAINU DARBOE Lawyer, Statesman, Human Rights Advocate and Leader of the United Democratic Party His Excellency A.N.M Ousainu Darboe, popularly known as Lawyer Darboe is one of the most distinguished legal practioners, political leaders and advocates for democracy, justice and rile of law. A man whose life has been defined by service, conviction and an unwavering commitment to The Gambia. He has fought for human rights of all Gambians and promoted democracy. Ousainu Darboe was born in 1948 in Niani Dobo in the Central River Region of The Gambia. He is part of a family known for serving the public. His father, the late Honorable Numukunda Darboe was a Member of Parliament for Upper Fulladou West. He attended Gambia High School, St Augustine’s High School and Bansang Primary School. Driven by academic excellence and passion for justice, he secured a Commonwealth scholarship to study law at the University of Lagos in Nigeria, where he earned an honors degree in Law (LLB). Later he graduated from the University of Ottawa in Canada with a Master of Laws (LLM). Upon returning to The Gambia in 1973, Darboe began his legal career at the Attorney General’s Chambers, serving as Legal Draftsman, Acting Registrar-General and State Counsel. In 1980, he entered private after leaving the government sector. Throughout his distinguished legal career, he has earned a reputation as a fearless advocate for justice and the protection of fundamental human rights. He represented numerous individuals caught in the political upheavals of the country, including those accused following the 1981 attempted coup. His commitment to justice extended beyond the courtroom, as he provided legal assistance to disadvantaged members of society, often on a pro bono basis. He was also the Vice President of the Gambia Bar Association. Following the military takeover of 1994 and subsequent restrictions om political activity, Lawyer Darboe entered the political arena in 1996 when the UDP was founded, and he became the Secretary General and Party Leader. Under his leadership, the UDP emerged as one of the country’s most prominent political partied and a major force in the struggle for democratic restoration. His political journey has not been without sacrifice. Over the years, he endured political intimidation, arrests and imprisonment for his commitment to democratic principles. In April 2016, following the arrest and death in state custody of UDP’s National Organizing Secretary Ebrima Solo Sandeng, Darboe led a peaceful protest demanding answers and justice. He was subsequently arrested alongside fellow party executives where they spent approximately eight months at the Mile II central prison. This part of his story has become influential in The Gambia’s fight for democracy, further solidifying him as one of The Gambia’s most notable human and constitutional rights advocate. Following the historic democratic transition of 2016, Lawyer Darboe was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2017, helping re-establish The Gambia’s diplomatic reputation after being under an authoritarian government for over two decades. In June 2018, he was appointed Vice President of The Republic of The Gambia and also Minister of Women’s Affairs. His tenure in government added another significant chapter to an already distinguished career in law and public service. Beyond politics and his legal profession, Darboe has contributed to national development through sports administration serving as First Vice President of the Gambia National Olympic Committee, and Chairman of the Gambia Wrestling Federation. Today, His Excellency A.N.M Ousainu Darboe continues to serve as Secretary General and Party Leader of the United Democratic Party. His journey is one of perseverance, sacrifice, courage and an enduring belief in the democratic aspirations of the Gambian people.