Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, the leader of United Democratic Party (UDP), has criticised President Adama Barrow’s government, accusing it of failing to fulfil the promises that brought it to power in 2017.

In a statement marking The Gambia’s 60th independence anniversary, Mr Darboe lamented that six decades after gaining independence, the full aspirations of the nation remain unfulfilled.

“While we have made strides in certain areas, the Gambian people continue to grapple with poverty, unemployment, inadequate healthcare, and a struggling education system,” he said.

“Our youth, who represent the future of this nation, are left disillusioned by the lack of opportunities and the failure of successive governments to prioritise their needs.”

He argued that the dreams of the country’s independence heroes for a prosperous and self-reliant Gambia had been betrayed by poor governance, corruption, and a lack of visionary leadership.

“Since coming to power in 2017, President Adama Barrow’s government has failed to deliver on its promises to the Gambian people.

“The coalition that brought him to power was built on the hope of a new dawn a Gambia free from the oppression and mismanagement of the past. Yet, seven years on, the Barrow administration has been characterised by inefficiency, corruption, lack of accountability, and a glaring absence of tangible development.”

He further accused the government of neglecting the welfare of citizens, failing to create jobs for the youth, and not investing in infrastructure to drive economic growth.

“The Gambian people deserve better. Instead, we have witnessed a government more focused on self-preservation than on serving the people.

“Corruption remains rampant, and public resources are squandered with little to show for it. The Barrow administration has failed to address the pressing issues of unemployment, the rising cost of living, security, and the need for quality healthcare and education.”

As The Gambia marks 60 years of independence, Mr. Darboe urged citizens to look to the future with hope and determination. He said the country has the potential to be a beacon of progress and prosperity in West Africa but lacks the leadership to harness its resources for the benefit of all Gambians.

“The United Democratic Party remains committed to the ideals of democracy, justice, and development. We believe in a Gambia where every citizen has access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. We believe in a Gambia where the rule of law prevails, and where leaders are accountable to the people.”

He called on Gambians to demand more from their leaders and hold them accountable for their actions.

“To realise the Gambia of our dreams, we must work together to build a nation that prioritises the welfare of its people over the interests of a few. The UDP stands ready to lead this charge. We are committed to providing the visionary leadership this country needs to move forward.”

By Adama Makasuba