The Alliance for Patriotic Citizens (APC), led by Modou Lamin Sima, formally launched the party and unveiled its manifesto on Saturday, presenting itself as a vehicle to break with The Gambia’s current political and economic order.
Under the slogan “Navigating Change to Shape the Future of The Gambia,” the APC said it would build a people-centered government focused on productivity, poverty eradication and the country’s transformation into a middle-income nation.
Supporters framed the launch as a turning point, with the party declaring that “the lion is roaring.”
The manifesto places anti-corruption at the center of its program. The party pledged punitive deterrence against graft alongside a civic education campaign to instill a “common good” mindset and responsible citizenship. It also promised merit-based appointments in the civil and public service, institutional reform and advocacy for adoption of the 2020 draft constitution.
Economic plans emphasize agriculture. The APC said it would invest in diversification and value addition through a Comprehensive Agricultural Development Program aimed at attracting impact investors, commercial smallholders, agribusinesses and animal production. Youth and women would receive skills training, with support for individual enterprises, farming cooperatives and microfinance to lift households out of poverty.
On public services, the party outlined an “education-based economy,” with investment in quality basic and secondary schooling, technology and research at university level, and a preference for strengthening the University of The Gambia rather than expanding under-resourced institutions. Health policy would target easier access, stronger maternal and neonatal care, and improved primary, secondary and tertiary services.
Further pledges include constitutional change to devolve power to municipalities and local governments in health, waste, agriculture, water, roads and local trade; a national land and housing policy with affordable homes for public servants; and a rapid shift to renewable energy with a new national grid code to expand solar power and deliver reliable, affordable electricity.
The APC closed its launch by asking for public support, presenting the party as an opportunity to change the country’s direction.
