Haji Sawaneh, UDP National Youth President
By Makutu Manneh
Hagi Suwaneh, the Youth President of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has launched a blistering critique against President Adama Barrow and the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), accusing the administration of weaponizing women’s empowerment initiatives for electoral gain.
In a strongly worded statement, Suwaneh alleged that the president has systematically exploited women voters through a cycle of broken promises and economic marginalization. He pointed specifically to the recent demolition of market stalls—intended to facilitate road expansion—as a primary example of “insensitive” governance that has devastated the informal sector, where women form the backbone of the workforce.
The youth leader highlighted the sharp contrast between the government’s campaign rhetoric and the current economic reality. Since the 2021 election, Suwaneh noted, Gambians have been hit with a relentless rise in the cost of living, including hiked electricity tariffs, increased taxation, and doubled passport fees.
“Remember the sweet words and promises Barrow and NPP made before the election? But after he won, he acted differently. Most of you were left crying, wondering what happened to the promises made for your votes,” he said. In a vivid metaphorical warning, Suwaneh described the government’s latest financial gestures as deceptive. “I believed Barrow has loaded his AK47 with a sugar bullet, ready to shoot the women in the foot. Just imagine, 50 million dalasis – where is the money coming from?”
A central pillar of Suwaneh’s accusation involves the transparency of the NPP’s women’s empowerment fund. He labeled the 50-million-dalasi initiative a “scam” designed for electoral inducement rather than genuine development.
The UDP Youth President also raised concerns regarding the source of these funds, questioning whether the money was diverted from international reintegration packages intended for deported Gambian youths.
“Barrow claims the funds are compensation for women’s efforts in the 2021 election. If so, why wasn’t this recognized in 2022, 2023, 2024, or 2025? Why launch it on January 24, 2026, just before an election? You’re compensating their efforts only in election years – what’s that if not deception and inducement?,” he further questioned. Suwaneh concluded by urging Gambian women to look beyond the immediate financial offers and consider the broader failures of the administration. He highlighted the plight of the youth—many of whom face trauma following deportation or risk their lives on “backway” sea routes—arguing that the government has failed to provide sustainable jobs or use reintegration funds for their intended purpose. “They are fooling you with another scam scheme,” he said.
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