The United Democratic Party (UDP) has issued a scathing rebuke of the government following the emergence of a leaked letter, purportedly from the Office of the President, requesting D3,625,957.80 in per diem allowances for security personnel accompanying the President’s mother on a foreign medical trip. The document, which surfaced on social media and appears authentic, has ignited widespread public anger and raised serious questions about the misuse of taxpayer funds.
The UDP contends that the expenditure violates Gambian law, which limits state-funded expenses to the First Family—defined as the President, their spouse, and dependent children—excluding extended relatives like the President’s mother. “This is a clear breach of fiscal responsibility and an unjust burden on citizens already grappling with economic challenges,” the UDP stated in a strongly worded release from its media team. “If the President wishes to provide security for his mother, he should pay for it himself, not dip into the national treasury.”
Public outrage has intensified amid speculation that the per diem payments could be just the tip of the iceberg, potentially signaling that taxpayers are also footing the bill for the entirety of the trip—including flights, accommodation, and medical expenses. The UDP labeled this possibility “an unacceptable misuse of public resources” and demanded immediate action to address the controversy.
In response, the opposition party has outlined a three-pronged call to action: a full refund of the D3,625,957.80 to state coffers, a comprehensive audit of all travel expenses linked to the President’s family, and transparency from the Finance Ministry on whether such spending reflects a broader pattern of fiscal irresponsibility.
“This is not a personal attack on the President’s family,” the UDP clarified. “It’s a matter of accountability. Public funds must serve the public good, not private interests.” The party has vowed to escalate the issue through parliamentary oversight and, if necessary, legal action to ensure that “not a single dalasi” of taxpayer money is misappropriated for the President’s extended relatives.
The leaked letter, which also mentions allowances for the Secretary-General and other officials, has yet to be officially confirmed or denied by the government. As the controversy unfolds, the UDP’s accountability demands will likely intensify pressure on the administration to explain how and why such a significant sum was allocated for what many Gambians see as an unjustifiable expense.
