Ebrima Pesseh A.B. Njie, affectionately known as Pesseh Njie, was one of the pioneering figures of The Gambia’s opposition United Democratic Party (UDP). A founding member, senior party official, public speaker, community leader, and former parliamentarian, Pesseh devoted much of his public life to serving the Gambian people and advancing democratic politics.
Pesseh was among the political figures who helped establish the UDP in 1996, following the military government’s ban on political parties. He was present during the party’s formation and became one of its earliest senior officials. Historical records from the UDP’s registration period identify him as the party’s Public Relations Officer, reflecting the confidence placed in his political experience and communication skills.
His political career, however, had begun long before the UDP. Pesseh followed in the footsteps of his father, Alhaji A.B. Njie, a prominent Gambian statesman who served as a parliamentarian, Foreign Minister, High Commissioner to Senegal, and Vice President under President Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara. Pesseh himself represented Banjul Central in Parliament and became one of the youngest Parliamentary Secretaries, serving in the Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Welfare.
When the UDP emerged, Pesseh brought his considerable political experience, connections, and understanding of Gambian public life to the new opposition movement. He served on the UDP Central Committee and National Executive, coordinated the party’s activities in Banjul, and played a leading role in the party’s campaigns. During the 2001 election campaign, he headed the UDP campaign team in Banjul, demonstrating his importance to the party’s grassroots political organization.
Pesseh was also known for his eloquence, wit, and ability to connect with people. Fellow UDP leaders remembered him as a peacemaker, both within the party and beyond it, and as an astute politician who commanded respect across political and social circles. The UDP described him as one of the most popular politicians of his generation and recognized the lasting mark he left on Gambian politics.
His commitment to the UDP continued for more than two decades. In his later years of service to the party, Pesseh served as Administrative Secretary for Economic and Financial Affairs, having succeeded Amadou Taal in the position. He also remained active in national politics and stood as the UDP candidate for Banjul Central in the 2017 National Assembly election.
Pesseh Njie passed away in January 2019, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of public service and political activism. His death was deeply felt by the UDP, his family, the people of Banjul, and many Gambians who had known and admired him.
His contribution to the UDP was more than the offices he held. He was one of the men who helped give the young party political credibility, organizational strength, and a voice in Banjul and beyond. As one of the pioneers who helped build the UDP from its earliest days, his name remains woven into the history of the party.
Alhaji Pesseh Njie, thank you for your tremendous service to our country and to the United Democratic Party. Thank you for your wisdom, your political courage, your eloquence, your commitment to peace, and your dedication to public service.
As we celebrate 30 years of the United Democratic Party, we remember the pioneers who answered the call when democracy needed defenders and who helped build a political movement that continues to inspire generations of Gambians.
Today, we remember you, Alhaji Pesseh Njie, and we honor your contribution to the UDP and to The Gambia.
Your voice may have fallen silent, but your contribution remains part of our history.
Happy 30th Anniversary, Alhaji Pesseh Njie.
May your legacy continue to inspire future generations of Gambians to serve their country with wisdom, courage, integrity, and dedication.
UDP Media & Communications Team