Africa-Press – Gambia. Ousainu Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has sharply criticized the government’s allocation of D52 million for President Adama Barrow’s annual “Meet the People Tour,” calling the expenditure excessive at a time when many Gambians are struggling to meet basic needs.
“The living conditions are hard. Let them not be spending the money anyhow,” Darboe said in an interview with Kerr Fatou on Thursday, urging the president to show greater compassion toward citizens facing rising costs of living.
The veteran opposition leader recalled Barrow’s campaign pledge to reduce the price of a bag of rice to D700, arguing that such a promise should translate into concrete investments in agricultural production. “Now if you win, you should sit down with your department of agriculture to bring in programs that will increase rice production in the country, and the importation will be reduced,” he said.
Darboe stated that with such a budget being spent on the tour, it will be hard for the productive sectors of the country to thrive. He added that underfunding will hinder their performances.
Darboe warned that allocating millions to a nationwide tour undermines the country’s already fragile productive sectors, many of which he said are underfunded and unable to perform effectively. He also questioned the status of €50 million reportedly secured from France during the tenure of former finance minister Amadou Sanneh, funds he said were intended to boost agricultural output, particularly rice production.
Turning to the national debt—which stood at D139 billion as of June 30, 2025—Darboe predicted that borrowing would continue to rise under the current administration, burdening future generations. “Even our great-grandchildren will not finish paying the loan,” he said, arguing that the Barrow government has failed to take necessary measures to strengthen revenue-generating sectors.
“No one is saying roads should not be constructed,” he added. “But do not take loans to construct these roads. If it should be done, you should look at your program and be doing it in stages.”
Darboe further criticized what he described as the government’s neglect of the tourism sector, warning that visitor interest will wane if the country continues to offer the same attractions year after year. He urged authorities to diversify tourism products to remain competitive.
He also accused the government of giving away control of the country’s river and marine resources to foreign interests, allowing illegal fishing to flourish. “We are not doing anything to protect our marine resources so that they are beneficial to the citizens,” he said.
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