By Fatou Sillah
The leader of the APP-Sobeya party, Essa M. Faal, has sharply criticized President Adama Barrow’s administration, describing it as deceitful, unserious, and corrupt. Speaking to his supporters, Faal said Gambians continue to endure hardship under poor leadership, worsening living standards, and a government that has failed to deliver meaningful development nearly a decade after taking office.
“We have an unserious government, a playful government, a government that cannot do anything—a deceitful and corrupt government. That is the type of government we have in this country,” Faal said.
He argued that the country needs a government committed to genuine national progress rather than one that relies on rhetoric and empty promises. “Who among you here has seen your life improve based on what the government has done for you? That shows you don’t have a government that is working for you,” he added.
Faal further accused the Barrow administration of prioritizing the interests of senior officials over ordinary citizens, citing the recent salary increases and benefits granted to members of the National Assembly. “They increased the salaries of NAMs and gave them cars. The Speaker receives D19 million every five years. If I lie, they can take me to court. So what about the rest of the people? Are they not part of the country?” he questioned.
The APP-Sobeya leader also alleged mismanagement in the Gambia-Spain Circular Migration Program, claiming the government collected D39 million from applicants but selected only a few participants.
Faal further highlighted income inequality within government institutions, stating that “the president’s one-month salary equals the eight-year salary of his driver.”
He concluded by calling for a government that prioritizes youth development and integrity in governance, emphasizing that the majority of Gambians are young and deserve opportunities to thrive.
“We need a serious government, one that takes the youth seriously because they make up 65% of the population. If they don’t prosper, the country will not,” Faal said.