President Adama Barrow has triggered widespread debate, and amusement, among Gambians after declaring that Brufut has developed to the level of Dubai.

The president made the remark while speaking to reporters, using Brufut as an example of what he described as major development achievements under his nine-year administration.

Mr Barrow said his government has delivered “monumental” projects across the country and promised even more if Gambians grant him another five-year term in the December 2026 presidential election.

“When I entered Brufut today, I was very happy. Brufut is just like Dubai today,” he said.

The comment quickly went viral on social media, drawing mixed reactions from Gambians at home and abroad. While some users laughed off the comparison, others rushed to defend the president, arguing that he was speaking from a personal point of view rather than making a literal comparison.

“But that’s the truth. When it comes to comparison, it is his own perception,” one commenter wrote.

“Someone else can compare my village to Medina.”

Others were less charitable, turning the remark into a source of humour online. “Barrow would be better as a comedian. He can crack a joke from nowhere, bilahi,” another user commented.

Some residents and supporters, however, insisted that the president’s statement should be understood in the context of visible changes in the area over the years. One commenter noted that access to Brufut had previously been difficult but has significantly improved.

“He’s right though. Knowing Brufut before and now, it was hard to enter. But now, you can enter easily from anywhere,” the person wrote, adding a plea for civility: “Please, no one should attack my comment. Just pass your own.”

The debate continued with more sarcastic takes, as one social media user joked: “We are lucky to have Dubai in The Gambia. Fantastic. Who will even compare Brufut to Dakar?”

By Adama Makasuba