The United Democratic Party acknowledges the press release issued by the Ministry of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure on March 5, 2025, concerning the concession agreement with Albayrak Group. While we appreciate the Ministry’s efforts to clarify its position, critical concerns remain unaddressed, particularly regarding transparency, equity, and the long-term implications of this arrangement.

1. Clarification of Stance

Our concerns are not rooted in accusations of “selling” the Port of Banjul but in the opaque terms of the concession itself. The Gambian public and key stakeholders, including the National Assembly, have been excluded from scrutinizing an agreement that binds national assets and revenue streams for 30 years.

2. Transparency and Democratic Oversight

The Ministry’s failure to involve the National Assembly or disclose the full agreement to the public undermines democratic governance. Concessions of this magnitude, which involve strategic national infrastructure, must undergo parliamentary debate and public consultation per constitutional principles. The claim that the process was “guided by patriotism” does not substitute for accountability.

3. Inequitable Profit-Sharing Model

The 80-20 profit split in favor of Albayrak raises serious questions:

• Why should a foreign entity retain 80% of profits from Gambian resources for three decades?
• Is this ratio consistent with global best practices for port concessions, particularly in comparable West African nations?
• What safeguards exist to ensure The Gambia’s 20% equity share yields meaningful returns, given inflation and evolving economic conditions?

4. Duration of the Concession

A 30-year term risks locking The Gambia into an arrangement that may not align with future economic priorities. Long-term concessions demand rigorous cost-benefit analysis, including:

• Exit clauses for non-performance by the investor.
• Mechanisms for periodic review to adjust terms in line with national interests.

5. Unanswered Questions on Public Benefits

While the Ministry highlights infrastructure upgrades (e.g., Sanyang Deep Seaport), critical details are absent:

• What guarantees exist that Albayrak will fulfill its USD 19 million investment pledge?
• How will the promised “4% of gross revenue” and “dividends” be calculated and audited?
• Why are Basse and Kaur Inland Ports mentioned only in passing, with no binding timelines?

6. Local Content and Employment Concerns

The concession’s “1% local content provision” is insufficient for a project of this scale. Furthermore, retaining existing staff under Albayrak does not address broader unemployment or skills development for Gambians.

7. Call to Action

We urge the Ministry to:

• Immediately publish the full concession agreement for independent review.
• Subject the agreement to parliamentary scrutiny and public hearings.
• Re-negotiate terms to ensure a fairer profit-sharing model and a shorter concession period.
• Establish a multi-stakeholder committee to monitor implementation.

Conclusion

The Gambia’s ports are strategic assets that belong to its people. Any concession must prioritize national interest, transparency, and equitable gains. We reject attempts to dismiss legitimate concerns as “misinformation” and demand accountability to safeguard our nation’s future.

UDP MEDIA TEAM

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

In a deepening power struggle within The Gambia’s People’s Progressive Party, two factions have staked competing claims to the party’s leadership.

According to the PPP Electoral Commission, Kebba E. Jallow is the legitimate Secretary General and Party Leader, having been validated after candidates who signed a “mandatory constitutional undertaking” were declared rightful winners. Those who failed to sign—including Ousman Madikay Faal—were explicitly disqualified. The Commission also noted that no appeals were filed before the February 18 deadline.

However, just days later, on March 2, the PPP Board of Trustees issued a conflicting declaration, recognizing Ousman Madikay Faal as the duly elected leader. The Board argued that the Electoral Commission “exceeded its authority” and lacked the required number of members to function properly. It also dismissed the disqualification grounds, claiming that the cited constitutional article “does not exist.”

This dispute, stemming from the December 21 Elective Congress, has created parallel party structures with overlapping officials, leaving PPP members uncertain about who truly leads the historic party.

By: Mama A. Touray

Following the rejection of the diaspora’s right to vote during the country’s electoral period yesterday, the Secretary-General and Party Leader of the People’s Alliance Party (PAP), Ebrima Tabora Manneh, stated that there is no excuse to justify denying the diaspora their voting rights.

In an audio message shared with this medium today, Manneh said, “There is no excuse to justify denying the diaspora the right to vote. The government’s effort should go beyond saying they do not have the budget to register the diaspora so they can vote. If the argument is that the diaspora does not have a constituency in the constitution, they can create one, making it a total of 59 constituencies.”

He argued that the government could easily come up with a plan for diaspora voting, referencing neighboring countries. “Even our neighbors, Senegal and other countries, allow their citizens abroad to vote because they recognize their importance and contributions to national development,” he stated.

Tabora emphasized that if Senegal can implement diaspora voting, then The Gambia can do the same. “If the Gambian government is truly committed to ensuring the diaspora’s right to vote, they should definitely include them,” Manneh said.

He added that the reason the government has not allowed the diaspora to be included in the voter list is best known to them. He stated, “I don’t know whether they believe they do not have much support in the diaspora or if it is because the diaspora is independent and does not need anything from anyone to make an informed decision. The government wants people who will follow whatever they say, even when they are not doing things right.”

“I, Ebrima Tabora Manneh, and my party, the People’s Alliance Party, believe that the diaspora should be given the chance to vote during the country’s electoral cycle because we recognize their stance and contributions to national affairs,” he said.

Meanwhile, in his audio message, Tabora stated that the diaspora consists of Gambians who left the country to work and send remittances back home to support their families.

He stressed the important role of the diaspora, saying, “We all know the significance of the diaspora in the country’s development. Even the government has acknowledged their contribution. In 2024 alone, they contributed over 700 million dollars. This figure proves that the diaspora is even more important and beneficial than many institutions that support the country, and their contribution is one of the driving forces of national development.”

Manneh further stated that the diaspora’s contributions have helped mitigate hunger in the country and sustain many Gambian families. “Many Gambians today rely on the diaspora for support, both for their families and the nation at large,” he said.

“Given their contributions, the diaspora deserves the same rights as Gambians residing in the country. They should have representation, whether they live in The Gambia or abroad,” he added.

By: Alieu Jallow

The West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-The Gambia) has expressed deep concern over the rising tensions between the neighboring communities of Gunjur and Berending in the Kombo South District, West Coast Region. The long-standing land dispute, which dates back to the 1980s, has resurfaced following a recent government announcement regarding boundary demarcation.

The Ministry of Lands, Local Government, and Religious Affairs recently issued a letter detailing plans to mark the border between the two communities, reigniting friction. In response, both Gunjur and Berending held rival press conferences asserting their respective land claims, further heightening tensions.

WANEP-The Gambia, a leading peacebuilding organization, has urged all parties to exercise restraint, avoid inflammatory actions, and embrace dialogue as the only viable solution.

“Tension and aggression are never the answer. We must work together to find peaceful and constructive ways to address our differences,” WANEP stated in a press release.

The Gunjur-Berending land dispute has primarily involved the Sanyang Kunda family of Berending and the Jammeh Kunda, Darboe Kunda, and other clans within Gunjur. The conflict, which has simmered for decades, turned deadly seven years ago when violent clashes erupted. Despite a government-formed task force investigating the matter, key recommendations, particularly the proposed boundary demarcation, remain unimplemented.

WANEP notes that tensions have been exacerbated by the delay in implementing these resolutions. As part of its commitment to conflict prevention and resolution, WANEP-The Gambia has initiated several interventions, including:

• Community Dialogue Sessions and Alternative Dispute Resolution Trainings under its Research and Action for Peace (REcAP) Project, funded by the European Union (EU).
• Shuttle Diplomacy with local leaders to foster calm and mutual understanding.
• Legal Research to clarify land ownership under national laws and traditional customs.
• In-Depth Community Consultations to ensure all stakeholders have a voice in the peace process.
• Dialogue and Mediation efforts aimed at trust-building and sustainable conflict resolution.

WANEP has urged the Gambian government to expedite the implementation of the task force’s recommendations, particularly the transparent and inclusive demarcation of the disputed boundary. The organization also calls on civil society, local communities, and international partners to support peace efforts in Gunjur and Berending.

“Through collective effort and a commitment to non-violence, we can overcome our differences and build a brighter future for both communities,” WANEP emphasized.

While tensions remain high, WANEP believes that dialogue and peaceful engagement are the only paths toward a lasting resolution. The coming days will be crucial as stakeholders navigate this sensitive issue in a bid to prevent further conflict.

By: Momodou Ndow

The NAMs have done it again by revealing their dirty hands. They’ve voted down diaspora voting by a 25 to 14 margin – a clear landslide. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and the NAMs have certainly found a way to deny us our right to vote. Congratulations to them!

Diaspora voting is a powerful way for individuals living abroad to maintain a connection with Gambia and contribute to the political process. By ensuring our right to vote, you empower us to be able to influence policies that may directly affect our lives.

It will also a way to acknowledges our significant contributions to the economy, through remittances and investments, as well as the cultural and social ties we maintain. Enabling diaspora voting ensures that our voices are heard in a tangible way, making us active participants in shaping Gambia’s future.

Moreover, diaspora voting strengthens democratic values and promotes inclusion and representation. Representation matters deh! It guarantees that diasporans who may be temporarily or permanently living abroad, still have a stake in our country’s governance.

In this way, diaspora voting will enhance the democratic process, ensuring that all Gambian citizens, regardless of we live, are equally represented.

Remittances play a crucial role in Gambia’s economy, often providing a lifeline for families and communities. There’s no doubt that our remittances have significantly reduce poverty by supporting basic needs such as food, medical care, and education.

For many households fofu nonu, remittances are the primary source of income, given the high unemployment rate. Beyond individual households, remittances contribute to the national economy by increasing the flow of foreign currency.

Our remittances were $775 million last year, and we deserve a seat at the table. This Sara yaadi mbam business must end!

By: Alieu Jallow

In a strongly worded statement yesterday, Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe debunked recent claims that the Banjul City Council misused funds provided under the EU-funded Banjul–Ostend City Partnership. The allegations, originally raised by Councillor Maxim Dock, have been firmly rejected by the Mayor, who maintained that all funds had been managed with full transparency and in strict compliance with EU guidelines.

Addressing a room of journalists at Banjul City Hall, Mayor Lowe asserted, “I have not stolen any funds and was not involved in handling any finances; all funds were managed by the EU.”

Councillor Maxim Dock had raised serious concerns that the funds allocated under the EU-funded Banjul–Ostend City Partnership project were not managed as intended.

In response to these allegations by Councillor Dock, Mayor Lowe suggested they were politically motivated, stressing that Maxim Dock believes the city of Banjul only deserves old clothing, outdated bicycles, ambulances, and other materials.

By: Michaella Faith Wright

Although the Gambian diaspora is often referred to as the “8th region” of The Gambia, it lacks formal representation in the country’s decision-making processes. Aisha Tambajang, a Policy and Planning Specialist, has raised concerns about the exclusion of Gambians abroad from important national decisions, despite their contributions to the economy and society.

The diaspora plays a significant role in the nation’s development, contributing remittances, investing in businesses, and supporting national progress. However, they do not have a seat at the table when it comes to governance and policy-making.

“How can a region exist without representation?” questioned Tambajang. “We acknowledge the diaspora’s contributions, but when it’s time to decide who leads and shapes policies, we are excluded.”

Tambajang emphasized that the issue extends beyond voting rights, highlighting the need for Gambians abroad to have a voice in national affairs. She noted that countries such as Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa have incorporated their diaspora into governance, demonstrating that such inclusion is achievable. “We are not reinventing the wheel,” she added. “We are simply asking for what is fair.”

With increasing calls for diaspora representation, many hope The Gambia will take steps to give its 8th region the representation it seeks.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly, leader of the opposition Gambia Action Party (GAP), has cautioned that allowing external influence in the adoption of a new constitution is not only unnecessary but also “an insult” to the nation.

Batchilly was responding to speculation that ECOWAS should engage the United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU) in The Gambia’s constitutional development. “This is not only unnecessary but also an affront to the intelligence and sovereignty of the Gambian people,” he stated. He believes that the drafting and adoption of a national constitution should be managed by Gambians themselves rather than dictated by foreign entities.

“Repeatedly, external interventions in African matters have primarily served to promote the interests of outsiders instead of the people they claim to support,” he noted, asserting that The Gambia must firmly oppose any external influence attempting to dictate its governance. According to him, African nations, including The Gambia, have long been perceived as incapable of managing their own affairs, resulting in a dangerous dependency on foreign entities.

“It is regrettable that rather than resolving our internal political disputes through sincere dialogue and compromise, some individuals seek international mediation as an easy solution,” he elaborated. Batchilly emphasized that the country’s political leadership must acknowledge that The Gambia’s future rests in the hands of its citizens, not foreign diplomats or organizations.

“If we persist in allowing outsiders to dictate our governance frameworks, we risk losing our national identity and our ability to shape our own future,” he warned. He pointed out that the current constitutional stalemate should not be used as justification for inviting foreign intervention. “It is the duty of Gambian political stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and find common ground for the benefit of the nation,” he stressed.

“A constitution is the highest law of a country, and it should embody the aspirations, values, and will of the Gambian people rather than the interests of foreign parties. Political parties and leaders must prioritize collective interests over personal and partisan agendas to work towards a consensus that guarantees a democratic, just, and progressive Gambia.”

The Gambia Action Party (GAP) firmly denounces any efforts to compromise national sovereignty by allowing external forces to dictate the constitutional process. While recognizing the importance of international collaboration in areas like economic development and security, Batchilly asserted that governance and constitution-making should remain domestic matters.

He cautioned that no foreign entity should be permitted to interfere in establishing the country’s legal framework, emphasizing that The Gambia possesses the human resources, intellectual capacity, and experience necessary to draft and implement a constitution that serves the best interests of its people without foreign interference.

“As a sovereign nation, The Gambia must fully own its democratic processes. Our leaders must exhibit political maturity, patriotism, and a commitment to national advancement by ensuring that the constitution-building process is led and owned by Gambians,” he explained, adding that the collective interests of the Gambian people should always take precedence over partisan advantages.

“Our destiny is in our hands, and we must resist any attempts to relinquish our authority to foreign entities.”