By Makutu Manneh
Ousainu Darboe, the leader of the opposition United Democratic Party, warned that the price of a bag of rice could rise to D5,000 if President Adama Barrow secures another term in the December 2026 presidential election, sharpening his criticism of the government’s economic record.
Speaking to residents of Lower Badibou during the party’s nationwide tour in Kerewan, Mr. Darboe pointed to the rising cost of living as evidence of what he described as policy failure. He recalled campaign assurances made by Mr. Barrow ahead of the 2016 election that a bag of rice would cost about D700, noting that prices have since climbed to more than D2,000.
“If Gambians make the mistake of re-electing President Barrow,” Mr. Darboe said, “the price of a bag of rice will reach D5,000 before December 2027.”
Mr. Darboe said the purpose of the UDP’s tour was to remind citizens of the country’s current economic challenges and to outline what he believes must be done to reverse them. He noted that the price of a bag of rice has more than doubled since the departure of former President Yahya Jammeh, rising from about D1,000 to over D2,000, and attributed the increase to the depreciation of the dalasi and what he called government inaction.
Calling the moment a critical juncture for the country, Mr. Darboe urged voters to consider a change in leadership. While acknowledging the importance of infrastructure development, he said greater attention should be paid to improving livelihoods and ensuring that basic commodities remain affordable and accessible.
He also criticized the state of the tourism sector, a key source of foreign exchange, saying it was declining because of insufficient government support and a failure to encourage investment. Mr. Darboe pledged that a UDP-led government would revive tourism, attract investors, and strengthen the dalasi, steps he said would help improve living conditions.
“The choice is with Gambians,” Mr. Darboe said. “If you want your living conditions to change by December next year, then the government must change.”