Professor Yusupha Dumbuya, leader of Democratic Party, has called for The Gambia to be taken back, criticising the rising cost of living, expensive rental accommodation and what he described as unfulfilled promises on democratic reforms.

“We must take our country back,” Dumbuya declared, expressing frustration over the economic difficulties confronting ordinary Gambians.

“They come and meet us here and they raise our cost of living high. The rents are high. I’m emotional. This madness must stop,” he said, shortly after filing his nomination to the Independent Electoral Commission.

The NDP leader also criticised the failure to deliver a new constitution, questioning the expenditure of D165 million on the constitutional reform process.

“They promised you democracy and promised you a new constitution and spent 165 million and nothing came out of it. Empty promises must stop,” he said.

Dumbuya argued that 65 years after independence, Gambians were still struggling with basic necessities, including reliable electricity, food and adequate shelter.

He also raised concerns about the remuneration of uniformed personnel and teachers, saying women were not receiving sufficient consideration and recognition.
“After 65 years, we still face electricity problems, 65 years our people are hungry, 65 years shelter is a problem,” he said.

He further lamented that teachers were poorly remunerated and that education was increasingly affordable only to middle-income families, leaving poorer households struggling to provide their children with educational opportunities.

Dumbuya said the country needed to pursue economic sovereignty and ensure that national development translated into greater prosperity for ordinary citizens.

“The time has arrived for Gambians to enjoy economic sovereignty. The time has arrived to uplift our people to greater economic prosperity,” he added.

He also called for greater support for university and high school students, advocating free education and free prescriptions for poor Gambians.

According to Dumbuya, addressing these challenges should be a priority in efforts to improve the living conditions of Gambians and secure greater economic opportunities for future generations.

By Adama Makasuba