GFC-UDP alliance promises institutional reforms in The Gambia
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Kerr Fatou
The alliance led by the Gambia First Coalition and the UDP promises to reform Gambia’s Constitution, institutions and economy after ten years of governance it considers deficient. Its manifesto denounces corruption, public debt and the centralisation of power, according to Kerr Fatou.
The alliance led by the Gambia First Coalition (GFC) and the United Democratic Party (UDP) has promised constitutional, institutional and economic reform in The Gambia. It presented its manifesto at the Paradise Suites hotel, accusing President Adama Barrow’s administration of ten years of poor governance, according to Kerr Fatou.
The document cites systemic corruption, weak oversight of public officials, rising public debt and declining institutional independence among the main problems to be addressed. It also calls for greater transparency, safeguards against excessive executive power and the decentralisation of resources and decision-making in favour of regional authorities and local councils.
Economically, the alliance argues that debt servicing limits investment in health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, youth employment and social protection. It also highlights the rising cost of living, food insecurity, dependence on imports and youth unemployment, which it links to the rise in irregular migration.
The announcement follows public discussions about a Gambian opposition alliance on 15 October, then Almameh Gibba’s openness to a coalition on 18 October. It also follows Bensouda’s promises of governance and security reforms on 28 October.
