Jallow Karamo Sanneh, affectionately known as “Jallow Dinding,” was one of the pioneering figures in the birth of The Gambia’s opposition United Democratic Party (UDP).
He belonged to the small group of courageous Gambians who came together in the aftermath of the 1994 military takeover to explore the creation of a new political movement that could restore democratic governance to The Gambia. His name is therefore permanently connected to the earliest chapter of the UDP’s history.
Following the military takeover and the subsequent ban on political activities, representatives of the former People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Gambia People’s Party (GPP), and National Convention Party (NCP) began holding discussions about forming a new political party.
Jallow Karamo Sanneh was among those present at the historic maiden meeting held at the residence of Sidia Sagnia, where the foundations for the United Democratic Party were laid. He participated alongside other pioneers including Sidia Sagnia, Jobe Kanteh, Ansunding Keita, Bemba Tambedou, Femi Peters, and Amadou Corra.
That gathering was a defining moment in modern Gambian political history. It brought together individuals from different political backgrounds who shared a common conviction: that The Gambia deserved a return to democratic government and that Gambians needed a united political movement capable of challenging authoritarian rule.
Jallow Karamo Sanneh was therefore not simply an early supporter of the UDP. He was present at the table when the idea of the UDP was being transformed into reality.
The political circumstances surrounding the birth of the UDP demanded courage. The military government remained powerful, political organizing carried significant risks, and the future of the new movement was far from certain. Yet the founding generation persisted.
The UDP would eventually be formally established in August 1996, bringing together political traditions and individuals committed to creating a broad-based opposition movement. From those humble and uncertain beginnings, the party would grow into one of the most enduring political organizations in Gambian history.
Jallow Karamo Sanneh was affectionately known as “Jallow Dinding.” He was named after the grandfather of O.J. Jallow, and the name became a familiar and cherished way of identifying him within the family and community.
That personal history adds another dimension to the story of a man whose legacy became intertwined with the history of the UDP, and the Gambia at large.
The founding generation could not have known what the next three decades would bring. They could not have foreseen the years of political repression, arrests, intimidation, electoral struggles, sacrifices, setbacks, and renewed hope that would define the UDP’s journey.
But they had the courage to take the first step.
Jallow Karamo Sanneh was one of those pioneers.
His contribution reminds us that political movements are built by people who are willing to believe in something before it becomes possible, and who are prepared to work for it when success is far from guaranteed.
Jallow Karamo Sanneh, “Jallow Dinding,” thank you for your contribution to the birth of the United Democratic Party and to The Gambia’s democratic journey.
You were there at the beginning.
You helped lay the foundation.
You helped turn an idea into a movement.
You became part of a history that has now spanned three decades.
As we celebrate 30 years of the United Democratic Party, we remember you alongside the other pioneers who dared to imagine a democratic future for The Gambia and took the courageous first steps toward making that future possible.
You were a pioneer.
You were a founding figure.
You were there at the beginning.
You are part of the foundation of the UDP.
You are part of our history.
Today, we honor Jallow Karamo Sanneh “Jallow Dinding”, and salute his contribution to the United Democratic Party and The Gambia’s democratic struggle.
Happy 30th Anniversary, Jallow Karamo Sanneh.
May your contribution to the birth of the UDP remain remembered by generations of Gambians, and may the ideals that inspired the founding generation continue to guide our country toward democracy, unity, justice, freedom, and progress.
UDP Media & Communications Team