Africa-Press – Gambia. Persons with disabilities at Pipeline Mosque have called on the government to urgently address their worsening living conditions, citing lack of support, unemployment, and daily struggles to meet basic needs.
In an interview, several individuals shared emotional accounts of hardship, describing how poverty and neglect have pushed many into street begging.
Ya-Mudow Secka, a wheelchair user, says life has been extremely difficult for her and her family. She explained that her husband, a former electrician, was no longer able to work after suffering an electric shock accident, leaving the burden of survival on limited means.
“Disability is not anyone’s choice. Everyone deserves dignity,” she said. “But each day is a struggle for us.”
She appealed to the government to extend support to persons with disabilities, noting that they are citizens who deserve equal consideration.
Ousainatou Sidibeh, 36, who sat by the roadside with her twin babies, said she had long hoped for media attention to highlight their plight. According to her, life became unbearable after her husband lost his job.
“It is painful sitting in the hot sun with my children just to find something to eat,” she said. “That is why I had no option but to beg.”
She also disclosed that her eldest son, who used to assist the family, had embarked on the irregular “backway” journey and has not been heard from since, leaving her in distress.
Pa Alieu Jobe, 54, a resident of Bakau, said persons with disabilities often face discrimination and are no longer treated with respect.
“People see us as beggars, but this is not the life we want,” he said, calling on the government to create business opportunities and empowerment programmes for persons with disabilities.
He added that the prolonged hardship has affected his mental well-being and urged authorities to act swiftly.
Mero Jabbie, an elderly woman, says she depends on street begging to support herself and her grandson’s schooling.
“Sometimes we eat once a day. Things are very hard,” she said, appealing for assistance.
The group collectively urged the government to provide social support, healthcare, and sustainable livelihood opportunities, stressing that urgent intervention was needed to restore their dignity and improve their living conditions.
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