By Staff Writer
Cherno Touray, Deputy National Administrative Secretary of the APP Sobeyaa political party, has issued a lengthy statement on Facebook sharply criticizing President Adama Barrow’s governance record and arguing that The Gambia faces a make-or-break moment ahead of the 2026 presidential election.
In his post dated Thursday, November 13, 2025, Touray described the upcoming election as a “critical crossroads” for the country, asserting that President Barrow’s administration has been marked by “corruption, economic mismanagement, and institutional decay.” He contrasted this with what he described as the integrity and reform-oriented leadership of presidential hopeful Essa Mbye Faal.
Touray’s statement, which he described as a “comprehensive indictment,” accused the government of widespread corruption and a lack of accountability. He claimed public funds had been mismanaged through opaque procurement processes and inflated contracts, adding that government audits have reported millions missing without consequences. He also described the Anti-Corruption Commission as “toothless” and argued that it serves more as political protection than oversight.
On the economy, Touray said Gambians are facing a rising cost of living due to inflation on essential commodities and a weakening dalasi. He attributed this to poor fiscal discipline, overreliance on imports, and a failure to strengthen local production. He alleged that “lavish political spending” has continued despite increasing financial pressures on households.
He also criticized the state of agriculture, health, energy, and education, arguing that the government has neglected key sectors. Fertilizer shortages, poor irrigation, dilapidated hospitals, erratic electricity, and an underfunded education system were among the examples he cited.
Touray extended his critique to include national security concerns, particularly the oil and gas exploration agreement in the Sangamar region. He claimed the deal lacked transparency and technical oversight, alleging that it risked compromising national sovereignty.
He also accused the ruling party of vote-buying and enabling unequal distribution of national resources, alleging that cash and food items are distributed during campaigns. He further argued that political elites have received “astronomical salary increases” while ordinary public servants remain underpaid.
Touray said any attempt by President Barrow to seek a third term would undermine the spirit of the 2016 transition and contradict constitutional limits, calling it “a dangerous precedent for authoritarian entrenchment.”
Touray used his statement to endorse Essa Mbye Faal, describing him as a leader with “integrity, competence, and accountability.” He cited Faal’s experience as a lawyer and former ICC prosecutor as evidence of his commitment to justice and institution-building.
According to Touray, Faal’s governance agenda focuses on transparency, merit-based leadership, economic self-reliance, and reforms in agriculture, education, and public accountability. He said Faal would introduce price control mechanisms, ensure better management of donor funds, invest in youth employment, and support sustainable agriculture through mechanization and year-round crop production.
He also argued that a united opposition coalition built around Faal could defeat the ruling party in 2026. Touray referenced electoral data indicating that combined opposition votes in 2021 roughly matched President Barrow’s total, suggesting that a unified front “could potentially surpass 50%.”
Touray urged opposition parties to coalesce behind a single candidate to avoid vote fragmentation. He argued that successful coalition-building would require alignment between major parties, representation across all regions—including rural areas where Barrow remains strong—and a clear governance platform addressing economic hardship and corruption.
He noted that key issues such as cost of living, youth unemployment, and mismanagement of aid should be central to the opposition’s campaign strategy.
Touray concluded his statement by arguing that re-electing President Barrow “would entrench corruption, deepen poverty, and erode democratic institutions.” He said the 2026 presidential election represents a referendum on The Gambia’s future direction, urging Gambians to “reclaim the nation’s dignity through visionary leadership and collective action.”