Aji Yam Secka, also known as Mariama B. Secka, is one of the most formidable women in the history of The Gambia’s opposition United Democratic Party (UDP). A veteran politician, longtime women’s leader, Deputy Party Leader, and one of the party’s most steadfast defenders, she has devoted decades of her life to public service and the struggle for democracy in The Gambia.
Aji Yam’s political journey began long before the UDP. She was active in Gambian politics during the First Republic under Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, remaining involved in public life until the 1994 military takeover. After a brief political break, she joined the UDP and became deeply involved in building the party and mobilizing its women’s wing.
From the UDP’s formative years, Aji Yam emerged as a powerful voice for women’s participation in politics. She served as Secretary General of the UDP Women’s Wing during different periods and later rose through the party’s leadership ranks to become Deputy Secretary General and Deputy Party Leader.
Her strength and courage were tested most dramatically in 2016, when UDP Party Leader H.E ANM Ousainu Darboe and numerous UDP supporters were arrested and imprisoned by the Yahya Jammeh regime following protests demanding the release of Solo Sandeng and respect for fundamental rights.
With the party leader behind bars, Aji Yam Secka stepped forward to help lead the UDP. She coordinated party activities, mobilized supporters, and attended court proceedings as Darboe and other UDP leaders faced prosecution. Her determination during this turbulent period earned her widespread admiration and led The Point newspaper to name her its 2016 Woman of the Year, describing her as “the lioness” who refused to be broken by threats, intimidation, or imprisonment.
Aji Yam was also an important participant in the opposition negotiations that ultimately produced Coalition 2016. As one of the UDP representatives involved in the discussions, she contributed to the process that brought opposition forces together behind a single presidential candidate in the historic 2016 election.
Throughout her political career, Aji Yam has consistently advocated for greater participation of women in Gambian politics. She has encouraged women not merely to support political campaigns from the sidelines, but to contest elections, occupy leadership positions, and take an active role in shaping the country’s future.
She has also been a strong advocate for a united and inclusive Gambia. In addressing accusations that the UDP was a tribal party, she emphasized that the party was founded by Gambians from different ethnic and religious backgrounds and should serve all Gambians regardless of their identity.
For more than two decades, Aji Yam Secka has remained a constant presence in the UDP. From organizing women at the grassroots level to helping steer the party through some of its darkest moments, she has demonstrated remarkable political endurance and loyalty.
Her journey represents an important chapter in the story of Gambian women in politics. She is a woman who refused to be confined by the traditional expectations of her time and who repeatedly stepped forward when her party and country needed leadership.
Aji Yam Secka, thank you for your tremendous service to our country and to the United Democratic Party. Thank you for your courage, your resilience, your loyalty, and your unwavering commitment to democracy.
You stood firm when the UDP was under immense pressure. You carried the party forward when its leadership was imprisoned. You mobilized women, defended the party, and continued to speak for a democratic and inclusive Gambia.
As we celebrate 30 years of the United Democratic Party, we celebrate you as one of the women whose courage helped shape the party’s history.
You are a pioneer.
You are a fighter.
You are a leader.
You are the Lioness of the UDP.
Happy 30th Anniversary, Aji Yam Secka.
May your remarkable service and dedication continue to inspire generations of Gambian women and young people to lead, serve, and stand fearlessly for democracy, justice, and a better Gambia.
UDP Media & Communications Team