Africa-Press – Gambia. The United Democratic Party (UDP), the main opposition party in The Gambia, has accused the government of President Adama Barrow of increasing the country’s national debt by D101 billion since coming to power in 2016.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the UDP said that after 30 years of independence, The Gambia’s total national debt stood at D3.47 billion in 1994.
According to the party, during the 22-year rule of former president Yahya Jammeh, an additional D46.30 billion was contracted, bringing the country’s debt stock to D49.77 billion by 2016, after 52 years of independence.
“Between 2016 and 31 December 2024, the Barrow-led NPP administration contracted a staggering D101 billion in just nine years,” the statement said.
The UDP added that as of 31 December 2024, The Gambia’s total national debt stood at approximately D150.77 billion, noting that debts incurred in 2025 were not included in the figure.
“The numbers speak for themselves. The critical question is: what do Gambians have to show for this level of borrowing?” the party asked.
The opposition party said it is offering what it described as a clear and credible alternative to the current government, stressing that its flagbearer, Ousainu Darboe, has pledged to serve only one term if elected president.
According to the UDP, Darboe intends to focus on adopting a new Constitution, stabilising the economy, undertaking comprehensive security sector reforms, and reforming the civil service to restore efficiency and integrity.
For More News And Analysis About Gambia Follow Africa-Press
