A public exchange has erupted between Agriculture Minister Demba Sabally and the Gambia For All (GFA), with both sides trading criticism over the government’s agricultural record and the legacy of veteran politician Bakary Bunja Darboe.

The row began after Sabally dismissed criticism of the agriculture sector by GFA leader Bakary Bunja Darboe, describing the former vice-president as “the biggest betrayer” in Gambian politics and questioning his credibility to comment on the government’s performance.

“I don’t take seriously what Bakary Bunja Darboe says because he is the biggest betrayer,” Sabally said during an interview with QTV.

He alleged that Darboe betrayed the government of Sir Dawda Jawara following the 1994 military coup and argued that the veteran politician had numerous opportunities to address the challenges he is now criticising.

“He was the first person to betray the Jawara government when they were removed from government in 1994,” Sabally said.

“I think he had millions of opportunities to solve what he is crying about today. I don’t want to talk about his failures because his failures are enormous.”

GFA senior official Sadibou Jadama responded by describing the minister’s remarks as “shocking” and accusing him of attacking personalities instead of addressing policy issues.

“I don’t think Demba Sabally is the right person to say anything about Bakary Bunja Darboe because he has no clue who he is,” Jadama said.

He defended Darboe’s record, saying the former vice-president had served the country with distinction in several senior positions, including finance minister, tourism minister, education minister and vice-president.

Jadama also rejected Sabally’s criticism of Darboe’s knowledge of agriculture, arguing that previous governments achieved more for Gambian farmers than the current administration.

“I believe Demba Sabally does not even know the purpose he is serving as Minister of Agriculture,” he said.

He further accused the government of failing farmers, alleging that some producers were still waiting to receive payment for groundnuts supplied during the previous farming season.

Jadama said the GFA preferred to challenge government policies rather than attack political opponents personally.

“Our party does not attack people’s personalities. We focus on policies,” he said.

He also dismissed suggestions that Darboe’s age should count against him, arguing that experience is an asset in leadership and pointing to several older world leaders who had served successfully in office.

Jadama concluded by challenging Sabally to a public debate on agriculture or any other national issue.

By Adama Makasuba