The Mayor of Kanifing Municipality, Talib Ahmed Bensouda, has blamed President Adama Barrow for the continued depreciation of the Gambian dalasi, warning that the falling currency is worsening the cost-of-living crisis.

Speaking at the UDP Seattle diaspora convention, Bensouda said the country is suffering under Barrow’s administration like never before, which he claimed highlights Barrow’s incompetence in running the country’s affairs.

“We all know that The Gambia is in trouble because the cost of living is very high. Today, bread costs 12 dalasis. Aside from that, the dalasi has been depreciating since Adama Barrow took power, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult for Gambians to survive on a daily basis,” he said.

Further commenting, he accused the Barrow administration of denying the Gambian diaspora the right to vote following the rejection of the draft constitution twice.

He praised the diaspora for contributing to the survival of The Gambia’s economy by sending approximately 57.6 billion dalasis annually.

He added: “The diaspora is rescuing The Gambia by sending home $800 million every year, but it’s sad that the government is not recognising this effort by giving the diaspora the right to vote.”

Reports show the dalasi has lost between 59% and 63% of its value against major currencies, especially the US dollar, euro, and pound sterling, since 2017, the year President Barrow came to power.

By Adama Makasuba