By Alieu Ceesay and Fatou Dahaba
In a charged atmosphere following President Adama Barrow’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered at the National Assembly in Banjul on June 19, 2025, opposition National Assembly Members (NAMs) voiced sharp criticism, labeling the speech as disconnected from the harsh realities faced by Gambians. The address, intended to highlight the government’s achievements and outline challenges, has sparked debate among lawmakers who argue it failed to address the country’s pressing economic and social issues.
Bakary Badjie, NAM for Foni Bintang, was among the most vocal critics, pointing to a stark mismatch between the President’s claims and the lived experiences of ordinary citizens. He specifically challenged Barrow’s assertion that inflation is under control, a statement that has drawn widespread skepticism amid soaring prices and a volatile exchange rate. “When addressing the nation, leaders must confront the real challenges people face,” Badjie said. “Inflation is draining our resources. The President claims it’s decreasing, but Gambians struggle to afford basic necessities like food. If inflation were managed, we’d see lower prices for essential goods and a stable exchange rate.”
Badjie’s remarks reflect a growing frustration among constituents, who struggle to secure three meals daily in an economy battered by rising costs. His critique underscores a broader sentiment that the government’s narrative of progress does not align with the daily hardships endured by the populace.
Kebba Toumanding Sanneh, NAM for Foni Jarrol, echoed Badjie’s concerns, emphasizing that the SoNA should inspire hope and reflect the aspirations of the Gambian people. “Reports can be polished to sound appealing, but their true value lies in how they translate into real change,” Sanneh said. “There’s a clear gap between the President’s words and the reality on the ground.” While reserving final judgment pending a detailed review of the address, Sanneh hinted at inconsistencies, suggesting that the speech may have overstated achievements while downplaying systemic challenges.
Hon. Abdoulie Njai, NAM for Banjul Central, offered a more measured critique, acknowledging the address’s articulate presentation but questioning its substance. “On paper, the SoNA seems well-crafted, but implementation is where it falls short,” Njai said. He highlighted the government’s focus on expanding access to services, such as rural electrification, while neglecting quality and sustainability. “The President’s discussion of challenges lacked depth,” Njai noted. “For example, energy access is prioritized over ensuring reliable service, which could undermine progress in addressing sectoral issues.”
The opposition’s reactions reveal a deep-seated skepticism about the government’s ability to deliver on its promises. While Barrow’s address aimed to project a vision of progress, many NAMs argue it glossed over critical issues such as economic instability, inadequate service delivery, and the rising cost of living. For many Gambians, the soaring prices of basic commodities and the weakening dalasi remain daily reminders of an impoverished economy.
The NAMs’ critiques come at a time of mounting public discontent, with citizens increasingly vocal about their struggles. The opposition lawmakers’ call for a more honest and actionable approach resonates with constituents who feel neglected by the government’s policies. Among others, Badjie, Sanneh, and Njai have urged the administration to prioritize tangible solutions over rhetoric, emphasizing the need for policies that directly address inflation, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits.
As the National Assembly prepares to deliberate on the State of the Nation Address (SoNA), the opposition’s sharp rebuke sets the stage for a contentious debate. The government now faces the challenge of bridging the gap between its stated achievements and the realities Gambians face. For many, the actual test of Barrow’s leadership lies not in the eloquence of his address but in his administration’s ability to deliver meaningful change.
The coming weeks will reveal whether the President can address these criticisms and restore public confidence or if the disconnect between the government and its people will continue to widen.
