Public Statement
The United Democratic Party (UDP) notes with alarm the shocking revelations by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) confirming that former Senegalese President Macky Sall deliberately concealed over $7 billion (CFA 3.9 trillion) in debt between 2019 and 2024. This deliberate deception plunged Senegal into a debt crisis, forcing the IMF to suspend its €1.8 billion aid program.
Macky Sall was one of President Adama Barrow’s closest political allies. The disturbing question now facing Gambians is this: Has Barrow imported Macky Sall’s unscrupulous tricks into The Gambia?
Since 2017, the Barrow administration has contracted billions of dalasis in loans and grants, yet the Gambian people can not point to any meaningful development that justifies such reckless borrowing. Roads remain unfinished, hospitals are without basic supplies, schools are underfunded, and the cost of living has reached unbearable levels. Instead, what Gambians see is rampant corruption, wasteful spending, and a culture of impunity at the highest levels of government.
It is becoming clear that President Barrow’s government may be hiding the true extent of The Gambia’s debt crisis. Just like Macky Sall, Barrow continues to announce figures that do not reflect reality while pushing the country deeper into dependency and mortgaging the future of generations yet unborn.
The UDP therefore states, in the strongest possible terms:
1. Enough is Enough. We will not allow this government to deceive Gambians about the state of our economy.
2. Full Disclosure Now. President Barrow must immediately publish a complete and independently verified report of all loans, debts, and grants secured since 2017.
3. Independent Audit. A comprehensive forensic audit must be conducted into the financial dealings of this government, especially loans contracted under questionable terms.
4. International Scrutiny. The IMF, World Bank, EU, and other international partners must urgently subject The Gambia’s finances to the same level of scrutiny as Senegal, before the truth is buried under layers of manipulation.
5. Accountability. Any official found guilty of hiding or misusing public funds must face the full force of the law.
The UDP warns President Barrow: the days of secrecy and deceit are over. Gambians will not sit by while you and your associates mortgage our country’s future through hidden and illegitimate debts. We will hold you accountable.
The people deserve to know the truth, and the UDP will continue to demand it without fear or favour.
TOMBONG SAIDY
UDP ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY FOR MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION
