By Ramatoulie Jawo
Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, the Secretary-General and party leader of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), anticipates a challenging 2024, asserting that it may surpass the difficulties faced in 2023 under President Adama Barrow’s administration.
Speaking at the party’s inaugural press conference in Manjai, Darboe expressed his concerns about the trajectory of the current government, citing what he called a lack of responsiveness to public sentiments.
“This year is not going to be different from 2023. This year probably will be worse than 2023 because this government has taken it upon itself not to care about what people say. They don’t care and don’t listen to what people say. They believe that no one on the surface of this earth will stop them from doing what they want to do. A government that you elected, a government that to whom you ceded your powers, your sovereignty and asked them to be your agents in the exercise of your dedicated power can turn around to you and tell you I am as powerful as Yahya Jammeh, in fact more powerful than Yahya Jammeh because apart from all the security apparatus Yahya Jammeh had, in I also have ECOMIG” he stated.
Darboe criticized the government’s handling of area councils and municipalities, stating that such actions are indicative of their intent to suppress the aspirations of the Gambian people, saying “That is what this government will continue to do to stifle the aspirations of The Gambian people, to stifle the wishes and desires of the Gambian people and all that in other to self perpetuate.”
He called for collective action among citizens to bring about political change in the 2026 presidential elections, emphasizing the need to initiate efforts promptly.
“I think all of us should commence our drives, should now commence our serious efforts to terminating this government’s existence in 2026. It must start now and we cannot postpone it. We cannot wait until 2026 and start on that exercise. It has to be done now,” he said.
Highlighting what he perceives as a growing authoritarian trend, Darboe expressed discontent with the government’s stance on corruption. While acknowledging the significance of the recently passed Anti-Corruption Bill, he criticized the government for what he sees as a lack of commitment to its full implementation.
Touching on the perilous Back Way migration route, Darboe advocated for creating opportunities for young people within the country to dissuade them from embarking on risky journeys in search of better prospects.
“The Government should have organized places for these young people and allow them to do their businesses there,” he suggested.
Darboe also voiced concern about the government’s proposal to increase taxes, predicting adverse effects on ordinary citizens. He highlighted the fiscal challenges, including a projected deficit of D4.45 billion for 2024 and a debt-to-GDP ratio of approximately 85%.
“The President has recently announced a series of Service tax increases, which will further fuel the hardships Gambians continue to face. The projected fiscal deficit for 2024 is D4.45Billon, or 2.55% of GDP. The debt to GDP ratio is about 85% of GDP,” he said.
He mentioned that the national debt reached D110 billion in 2023. The interest payments on this debt surged from D3.5 billion to D7.5 billion, surpassing the combined allocations for Health, Education, and Agriculture.
“In the span of 22 years, Yaya Jammeh left behind a national debt of D48 billion, whereas President Barrow managed to increase our national debt by D62 billion in just 7 years,” he remarked.