By: Fatou Krubally
The UDP has raised alarm over the Gambia’s growing national debt and what it describes as the government’s reckless economic mismanagement, which has left ordinary citizens struggling under worsening living conditions.
Addressing a press conference at the UDP bureau in Manjai, the UDP leader Ousainou Darboe criticized what, he called, the Barrow administration’s heavy reliance on loans, grants, and taxes, questioning the sustainability of the country’s economic strategy.
According to him, the government’s “borrowing spree” has now pushed the national debt to an estimated D119 billion, or 85% of GDP. The debt, he contended, has failed to translate into tangible improvements for Gambians.
“The government keeps borrowing, but where is the development? Hospitals are in crisis, agriculture is underfunded, and youth unemployment remains high,” Darboe said.
He pointed to the 2025 budget as a clear example of misplaced priorities, highlighting that while the Office of the President has been allocated D1 billion, critical sectors like agriculture and youth development receive significantly less.
The agriculture sector, which employs a large portion of the population, was allocated only D961 million, while the Ministry of Youths received a mere D135 million.
“The government is neglecting the backbone of our economy while using public funds to maintain a bloated administration,” Darboe argued.
The UDP leader also criticized the depreciation of the Dalasi and rising inflation, saying they have eroded purchasing power and increased the cost of essential goods. He blamed the government for failing to implement policies that would stabilize prices and improve food security.
“The average Gambian is finding it harder to afford basic necessities. This is not just an economic issue, it is a failure of leadership,” he said.
Darboe warned that the country’s debt crisis could worsen if the government does not observe fiscal discipline. He called for more transparency on loans, specifically questioning why the finance minister had not disclosed a D2 billion loan signed with the Islamic Bank in December 2024.
“The Gambian people deserve to know the truth about these loans. Where is the money going?” he asked.
As The Gambia just celebrated 60 years of independence, Darboe emphasized the need for a national conversation about the country’s economic future.
He urged the government to prioritize investment in productive sectors that could generate revenue rather than relying on continuous borrowing.
