By Fatou Sillah
Ebrima Nyang, administrative secretary of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), on Saturday sharply criticized President Adama Barrow’s 2026 State of the Nation Address, arguing that it failed to confront the country’s most pressing challenges and offered little vision for the future.
In a statement following the address, Mr. Nyang said the country was “heading in a bad direction” and urged voters to seek change in the next election cycle.
“The truth of the matter is The Gambia is heading in a bad direction and it is incumbent on us as concerned citizens to vote for a change in 2026,” He Said.
Mr. Nyang took issue with what he described as the president’s emphasis on past achievements rather than forward-looking policies. He said he was “dumbfounded” that the address largely recounted developments over the past year without outlining a clear plan for the years ahead.
He also criticized the government’s approach to job creation, singling out the circular migration program as insufficient to address youth unemployment.
“This year’s SONA has clearly stated that besides circular migration there are no hopes from this government to create the needed jobs to keep the youths in this country,” He Said.
On security, Mr. Nyang questioned the government’s characterization of The Gambia as one of the safest countries in the region. While the president cited favorable rankings, Mr. Nyang argued that many Gambians do not feel secure in their homes, workplaces, or on the streets.
He further raised concerns about the rising cost of living, access to housing, and the state of education, saying those issues were not adequately addressed in the speech. Housing, in particular, he said, remains a significant burden for many families, compounded by low wages and increasing living expenses.
Mr. Nyang also challenged the government’s claims of currency stability, arguing that the dalasi continues to depreciate against major currencies.
“The President has the audacity to tell us that the Dalasi is stable when it continues to depreciate against other currencies both in Africa and beyond,” Nyang said.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Nyang described the address as misleading and warned of broader implications for governance and public trust.
“The 2026 SONA was a speech read by the President to mislead the nation and the impacts are far-reaching, striking at the foundations of democratic governance, social cohesion, and international credibility,” he said.
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