Economic Freedom Fighters Gambia Launches Political Movement, Vowing to Tackle Poverty and Unemployment

By Seedy Jobe

Prince Ebrima Sanyang, a presidential aspirant, officially launched the Economic Freedom Fighters Gambia on Saturday, presenting the new political movement as a democratic and peaceful alternative focused on tackling poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment.

The launch, held at the Kairaba Hotel, drew opposition figures, supporters, religious and traditional leaders, diplomats, and members of the news media.

In his address, Mr. Sanyang said his decision to enter politics followed years of listening to Gambians express frustration over the rising cost of living, unemployment, and limited economic opportunities.

“I prayed over it. And today, before Almighty Allah and before the people of the Gambia, I answer that call,” he said.

Mr. Sanyang said the movement would not be built around the interests of an individual, ethnic group, or region, describing it instead as an organization intended to represent Gambians across social and economic backgrounds.

“It belongs to the mother in the market; the farmer, fisherman, teacher, nurse, worker, and unemployed graduate who still believes tomorrow can be better,” he said.

Mr. Sanyang argued that The Gambia had not done enough to translate its resources and economic potential into broadly shared prosperity. He pointed to rising food prices, low wages, unemployment among graduates, and inadequate access to health care and clean water as some of the challenges confronting Gambians.

Migration also featured prominently in his speech. Mr. Sanyang said many young Gambians attempt the perilous irregular migration route, commonly known as the “backway,” not because they lack attachment to their country but because they believe their prospects at home are limited.

“The Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean must no longer become graveyards for Gambian dreams,” he said. “We cannot tell our young people to stay while providing no reason to remain.”

Addressing young Gambians directly, he added: “Your country sees you. Your country needs you. And your life is too precious to be surrendered to the sea.”

Mr. Sanyang said the movement would be guided by what he described as “shared values for shared prosperity,” pledging that the Economic Freedom Fighters Gambia would seek to make politics a vehicle for what he called honest and courageous public service.