By Makutu Manneh
APP-Sobeyaa leader Essa Mbye Faal has promised to establish a women and youth empowerment bank if elected president in the Dec. 5 vote, framing the proposal as a cornerstone of his campaign to expand access to finance and reduce economic hardship.
Speaking to residents of Brikama in a video posted on his official social media platforms, Mr. Faal said the proposed bank would allow citizens to deposit their osusu—a traditional rotating savings system widely used for small-scale capital accumulation—regardless of political affiliation, religion, or ethnic background.
“We want to open a women and youth empowerment bank,” Mr. Faal said. “For you to put in your osusu regardless of where you are from, your religion, or your party, the bank will help you. That is what developing a country is.”
Mr. Faal criticized the administration of President Adama Barrow, alleging that 50 million dalasis had been distributed to women aligned with the ruling party without transparency about the source of the funds. He described the move as discriminatory and said it violated national laws that prohibit favoritism based on party, tribe, or religion.
Under an APP-Sobeyaa government, Mr. Faal said, discrimination would end, and economic conditions would improve.
Addressing young people at the gathering, he promised investments in sports infrastructure, including the construction of standard football fields, and vowed to strengthen the rule of law.
He also questioned the government’s record on job creation, saying a pledge to generate 1,500 jobs had not been fulfilled. Mr. Faal pointed to the presence of foreign workers in sectors such as construction, baking, and retail, asking what employment opportunities were being created for Gambians.
“We want to bring jobs for you,” he said. “But before that, we will teach you skills.” He added that his party would commit $50 million annually to youth development.
Mr. Faal urged eligible voters to register and participate in the election, telling young people that failing to cast a ballot would mean surrendering their voice in shaping the country’s future.
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