Brikama Council Chairman Engages Gambians in Berlin
Yankuba Darboe, chairman of the Brikama Area Council (BAC) in The Gambia’s West Coast Region, recently met members of the Gambian community in Berlin as part of his ongoing European tour. Darboe, a member of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), used the gathering to discuss local development initiatives, political developments and the diaspora’s important …
Black News 
Yankuba Darboe, chairman of the Brikama Area Council (BAC) in The Gambia’s West Coast Region, recently met members of the Gambian community in Berlin as part of his ongoing European tour. Darboe, a member of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), used the gathering to discuss local development initiatives, political developments and the diaspora’s important role in shaping The Gambia’s future.
Speaking to Gambians in Berlin, Darboe outlined the objectives of his visit to Europe and highlighted his party’s preparations for The Gambia’s presidential election, scheduled for December 2026. He reiterated his support for Ousainou Darboe as the UDP’s presidential candidate and encouraged party supporters abroad to remain actively engaged in the democratic process.
The chairman also shared updates on development programmes implemented by the Brikama Area Council. These include educational sponsorship schemes for disadvantaged students, initiatives to empower women through market development and innovation, improved waste collection services and community infrastructure projects across the West Coast Region.
He noted that local councils could play a significant role in improving livelihoods when communities worked together to support development efforts.
A key message at the Berlin meeting was directed at Gambians living abroad. Darboe urged the diaspora to contribute directly to community development projects, arguing that meaningful progress should not depend solely on central government support. Instead, he called for stronger partnerships among local councils, community groups and Gambians overseas to finance education, entrepreneurship, sanitation and other grassroots initiatives.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on how the diaspora could strengthen its contribution to national development while maintaining close ties with local communities. For many attendees, the gathering provided an opportunity to exchange ideas on how Gambians abroad could help bring about sustainable change at home through investment, advocacy and community-led action.
Darboe has served as chairman of the Brikama Area Council since June 2023 and has become a prominent voice on local governance and development issues in The Gambia. He previously practised law in the United Kingdom before relocating to The Gambia and taking up the chairmanship of the country’s largest area council.
Nyima Jadama
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