App Sobeyaa Official

Today, APP Sobeyaa, under the leadership of H.E Essa Mbye Faal, and represented by Ebrima Burr Njie, proudly handed over vital medical equipment to the main referral hospital in Banjul. The equipments were officially received by Dr. Bittaye the chief medical officer, marking another important step toward strengthening our healthcare system.

This initiative goes beyond politics, it is about people, compassion, and national responsibility. When it comes to the health and well-being of Gambians, we must stand together.

APP Sobeyaa believes in action, service, and unity. This is the Gambia we want to see: leaders working hand in hand with institutions to improve lives.

🌙 RAMADAN AND LENT MESSAGE FROM APP–SOBEYAA

As the blessed month of Ramadan and Lent begins, the leadership and members of APP–Sobeyaa extend our warmest wishes to our well-wishers, supporters, and all Gambians at home and in the diaspora, as well as everyone residing in The Gambia.

Ramadan for Muslims and Lent for our Christian brothers and sisters is a time of reflection, discipline, sacrifice, and renewed faith. It reminds us of the values that hold us together as a nation, compassion for the vulnerable, honesty in our dealings, patience in adversity, and a firm commitment to justice. These are not only Islamic or Christian virtues; they are universal virtues.

As we enter this sacred month, we humbly seek forgiveness from anyone we may have wronged, knowingly or unknowingly. And in the true spirit of Ramadan and Lent, we forgive those who may have wronged us. May this season soften our hearts and strengthen our unity.

We pray for peace and stability in The Gambia, relief for struggling families, wisdom for our leaders, and renewed hope for our democratic journey.

May God the Almighty accept our fasts, prayers, and charity, and guide our beloved nation toward fairness, prosperity, and good governance.

Ramadan Mubarak
Happy Lent
Essa Mbaye Faal
APP–Sobeyaa
For God and Country.

The story of The Gambia is one of resilience, betrayal, and the unyielding pursuit of justice. From the brutal dictatorship of Yahya Jammeh to the disappointing governance of Adama Barrow, the Gambian people have endured decades of oppression, corruption, and economic stagnation. Yet, a new dawn beckons, one rooted in accountability, reform, and national renewal under the leadership of Essa Mbye Faal and the APP-Sobeyaa movement. Let’s dive in.

The Terror Reign of Yahya Jammeh: Gambia’s Dark Chapter

Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year dictatorship (1994–2016) stands as one of the most gruesome and inhumane regimes in West African history. His rule was defined by extrajudicial killings, torture, enforced disappearances, and systemic corruption. The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) later confirmed that Jammeh’s government committed crimes against humanity, ordering the ex*****on of over 240 individuals journalists, migrants, soldiers, and civilians through his death squad known as the Junglers.

Rise to Power and Consolidation (1994–1996)

Jammeh’s coup in July 1994 overthrew a democratically elected government, suspending the constitution and silencing dissent. Civil liberties were abolished, journalists detained, and political parties banned. By 1996, Jammeh had manipulated elections to transform himself into a civilian president, entrenching his autocracy under the APRC party.

Institutionalizing Repression (1997–2000)

The creation of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) marked the beginning of institutionalized terror. Opposition leaders such as Ousainou Darboe were detained and tortured. Journalists were harassed and disappeared, while the press were muzzled. The NIA became synonymous with fear, operating secret prisons and torture chambers.

Escalation of Violence (2000–2004)

The April 2000 student massacre remains one of the darkest stains on Jammeh’s rule. Security forces opened fire on unarmed students protesting police brutality, killing 14 of our precious human capital. The regime’s brutality intensified with the emergence of the Junglers, a death squad that executed Jammeh’s orders to eliminate perceived enemies.

The Junglers’ Reign of Terror (2005–2009)

Between 2005 and 2009, Jammeh’s Junglers carried out mass killings, including the ex*****on of 44 Ghanaian and other West African migrants. The TRRC confirmed that these killings were state-sanctioned. Jammeh’s witch hunts and his fraudulent HIV/AIDS “cure” program further demonstrated his disregard for human life, resulting in deaths and psychological trauma across communities.

Totalitarian Control and Judicial Killings (2010–2013)

Jammeh’s paranoia deepened as he ordered the ex*****on of nine death-row inmates in 2012 without due process. Enforced disappearances became routine, and the judiciary was reduced to a political weapon. Meanwhile, Jammeh plundered state resources, siphoning over $300 million into personal accounts.

Decline and Fall (2014–2016)

Despite international condemnation and a failed coup attempt, Jammeh clung to power until his 2016 electoral defeat. His refusal to concede nearly plunged the nation into civil conflict before ECOWAS intervention forced him into exile in Equatorial Guinea. Yet, his crimes remain unpunished, and justice for victims is still deferred.

The TRRC and the Quest for Justice

The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), established in 2018, heard testimony from over 390 witnesses. Its findings confirmed that Jammeh and his security apparatus committed murder, torture, r**e, and persecution as state policy. The TRRC recommended the prosecution of 71 individuals, including Jammeh himself, and the establishment of a Special Tribunal for The Gambia to ensure accountability.

However, these recommendations have largely been ignored or delayed under President Adama Barrow, raising serious concerns about political will and moral integrity.

Adama Barrow’s Administration: Continuity of Corruption and Betrayal

Adama Barrow’s presidency began with hope but quickly descended into disillusionment. His government has become a continuation of Jammeh’s legacy, marked by corruption, nepotism, and incompetence.

Key Failures

- Failure to Implement TRRC Recommendations: Despite public promises, Barrow has shielded many former Jammeh loyalists now serving in his administration.
- Corruption and Nepotism: State contracts are riddled with favoritism, and public funds are mismanaged daily.
- Economic Mismanagement: Inflation and unemployment have soared, while the cost of living has become unbearable. This beggars mentality has become entrenched in their philosophy thus mortgaging the future of the country for personal gain.
- Political Regression: Barrow’s alliance with the APRC betrays the victims of Jammeh’s tyranny and undermines justice.

The Barrow administration has failed to deliver on its core promises to justice, reform, combating corruption and prosperity perpetuating a cycle of impunity and stagnation.

The Case for Change: Essa Mbye Faal and the APP-Sobeyaa Vision

In the midst of The Gambia’s political uncertainty and economic hardship emerges H.E. Essa Mbye Faal, often hailed as the Prodigal Son of the Soil and often known as JUB JUBAL JUBANTI, a symbol of renewal, integrity, and purpose. His rise represents not merely a political candidacy but a transformative opportunity for national rebirth. Young, educated, and dynamic, Essa Mbye Faal stands out as a leader whose professional excellence is matched by an unwavering commitment to public service. His distinguished career, spanning law, governance, and entrepreneurship, reflects a rare blend of competence, vision, and patriotic devotion, qualities urgently needed to steer The Gambia toward a more just and prosperous future.

A Vision Rooted in Reform and Progress

At the heart of Essa Mbye Faal’s political movement, the All Peoples Party (APP-Sobeyaa), lies a bold and pragmatic agenda designed to confront The Gambia’s most pressing challenges. His platform is grounded in economic stabilization, social empowerment, and institutional accountability.

Key pillars of his vision include:

- Economic Relief and Price Control: Implementing effective fiscal and market policies to curb the soaring cost of living and stabilize essential commodity prices.
- Women and Youth Empowerment: Allocating D50 million annually to fund entrepreneurship, vocational training, and innovation initiatives that unlock the potential of young Gambians and women entrepreneurs.
- Agricultural and Food Security Reform: Reducing import dependency through investment in modern farming, irrigation, and agro-processing industries.
- Healthcare Transformation: Overhauling the healthcare system to ensure equitable access to quality medical services across urban and rural areas.
- Education Modernization: Reforming curricula to align with 21st-century skills, technology, and innovation, preparing Gambians for global competitiveness.
- Infrastructure and Energy Development: Expanding road networks, modernizing ports, and investing in renewable energy to ensure reliability, sustainability, and national connectivity.

Essa Mbye Faal’s approach is not theoretical, it is practical, data-driven, and people-centered, reflecting his belief that governance must deliver tangible results to every Gambian household.

A Leader of Unity, Justice, and Accountability

Beyond policy, Essa Mbye Faal embodies the moral leadership and empathy that The Gambia desperately needs. His lifelong advocacy for human rights, justice, and the rule of law has earned him respect both at home and abroad. He is a bridge-builder, a leader capable of uniting diverse communities, religions, and political factions under a shared vision of national renewal. He is supported and advised by very trusted and capable executive leadership.

His governance philosophy is rooted in dialogue, transparency, and inclusion, ensuring that every Gambian regardless of background has a voice in shaping the nation’s destiny. Through this inclusive model, he seeks to heal the divisions left by decades of authoritarianism and misrule, restoring public trust in government institutions.

A Clear Contrast: Competence Versus Complacency

In stark contrast stands President Adama Barrow, whose administration has been defined by corruption, inefficiency, and economic stagnation. Under Barrow’s leadership, promises of reform have given way to political patronage, rising inflation, and disillusionment among citizens. The failure to implement the TRRC’s recommendations and the persistence of systemic corruption have eroded public confidence and betrayed the spirit of the 2016 democratic transition.

Essa Mbye Faal offers a clear, credible alternative, a leader equipped with the intellect, integrity, and experience to deliver systemic transformation. His candidacy represents a decisive break from the politics of mediocrity and complacency that have long held The Gambia back.

A Rallying Call for National Renewal

As the 2026 presidential election approaches, Gambians face a defining choice: to continue down the path of mismanagement or to embrace a new era of visionary, accountable leadership. Under the rallying cry “Jub Jubal Jubanti”, Essa Mbye Faal calls on every Gambian to stand for progress, justice, and unity.

He embodies the hope of a nation ready to reclaim its destiny, a leader whose governance, business acumen, and social advocacy converge to form a blueprint for sustainable development. Essa Mbye Faal’s leadership promises not only to restore faith in government but to ignite a collective movement toward a brighter, more equitable Gambia.

In him, The Gambia finds not just a candidate, but a catalyst the embodiment of a nation’s long-awaited transformation.

The Call for a Grand Coalition

To defeat the entrenched regime of corruption and impunity, a grand coalition of all democratic forces is essential. Civil society, opposition parties, and the diaspora must unite under one banner, not for personal ambition, but for the salvation of the nation. The 2026 election must be a referendum on justice, integrity, and progress.

A Rallying Cry for Change

The time has come for The Gambia to rise again to reclaim its dignity, restore justice, and rebuild its endangered future. The ghosts of Jammeh’s victims cry out for accountability. The youth demand opportunity. The mothers of this nation yearn for relief from poverty and hopelessness.

Under Essa Mbye Faal and APP-Sobeyaa, The Gambia can finally break free from the chains of tyranny and corruption. Let this be the generation that says “Never Again” not in words, but in action. Let us march together toward a new dawn of justice, prosperity, and unity.

Summary Analysis

From Yahya Jammeh’s reign of terror to Adama Barrow’s betrayal of reform, The Gambia’s political journey has been marred by impunity and stagnation. The TRRC has laid bare the truth yet justice remains elusive and unfulfilled. The 2026 election offers a historic opportunity to reset the nation’s course.

Essa Mbye Faal and the APP-Sobeyaa movement embody the pragmatic, accountable, and visionary leadership The Gambia needs. Through economic revival, social justice, and institutional reform, they offer a credible path toward national renewal. The choice before Gambians is clear: continue the decay, corruption and incompetence or embrace the rebirth of a nation united under justice and progress. Our choice is obviously clear, let’s choose wisely to determine our collective destiny, let’s choose change to ensure transformation, let’s choose accountability to attain justice, let’s choose Essa Mbye Faal for President in 2026 in order for Gambia to realize its true potential. KERR FATOUThe Fatu NetworkWhat's On - GambiaThe Alkamba Times

Cherno Touray
Deputy National Administrative Secretary
APP Sobeyaa Party

The Gambia stands at a critical crossroads as the 2026 presidential elections approach. The governance record of President Adama Barrow has drawn intense scrutiny for corruption, economic mismanagement, and institutional decay. This report presents a comprehensive indictment of Barrow’s administration, detailing the consequences of his continued rule, and contrasts it with the vision and leadership qualities of Essa Mbye Faal, a candidate representing integrity, competence, and reform.

Adama Barrow’s Governance Record: A Catalogue of Failures

Rampant Corruption and Lack of Accountability
Under President Adama Barrow, corruption has become systemic and normalized within the state apparatus. Public funds have been misappropriated through opaque procurement processes, inflated contracts, and mismanagement of donor aid. Key government audits have revealed missing millions from ministries, yet no senior official has been held accountable. The Anti-Corruption Commission remains toothless, operating more as a political shield than a watchdog. Under the leadership of Essa Mbye Faal, government auditors shall be given the full weight of its mandate as a watchdog once again.

Economic Mismanagement and Rising Cost of Living
The cost of living in The Gambia has soared under Barrow’s leadership. Inflation on essential commodities such as rice, oil, and onions etc, has eroded household incomes. The dalasi continues to weaken against major currencies, driven by poor fiscal discipline and overreliance on imports. The government’s failure to stimulate local production has left citizens vulnerable to global price shocks, while lavish spending on political patronage continues unchecked.

The honorable Essa Mbye Faal has recommended and advocated for the civil service core to be paid a dignified livable wage to meet and combat growing inequality and corruption. He will institute price control measures to ensure affordability and improve living standards.

Neglect of Agriculture and Food Insecurity
Agriculture, once the backbone of the Gambian economy, has been neglected. Fertilizer shortages, lack of mechanization, and poor irrigation infrastructure have crippled productivity. As a result, the country now faces growing food insecurity, with rural communities dependent on imported staples. The government’s agricultural policies have been reduced to slogans, with little tangible investment in farmers or sustainable practices. The Essa Mbye Faal administration will transform agriculture into a sustainable economy ensuring food security. He will institute necessary reforms and provide modern agricultural machinery to farmers to sustain year round crops cultivation.

Dilapidated Infrastructure and Health Systems
Roads, hospitals, and public facilities remain in a state of disrepair. The healthcare system lacks essential medicines, equipment, and trained personnel. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government’s mismanagement of emergency funds exposed deep corruption and inefficiency. Meanwhile, rural areas continue to suffer from inadequate clinics and poor sanitation.

Unreliable Energy and Failing Education
Electricity supply remains erratic despite repeated promises of reform. NAWEC’s inefficiency and corruption have left industries paralyzed and households in darkness. The education system, once a source of national pride, is collapsing under poor funding, outdated curricula, and unmotivated teachers. The result is a generation of youth unprepared for modern challenges, fueling unemployment and despair.

National Security and the Sangamar Oil Agreement

Uneducated Negotiations and Strategic Risks
The oil and gas exploration agreement in the Sangamar region has raised serious national security and sovereignty concerns. Negotiated without technical expertise or parliamentary oversight, the deal reportedly grants disproportionate control to foreign entities, leaving The Gambia with minimal royalties. The lack of transparency in the process suggests that national assets may have been traded for short-term political gain, compromising future generations. Under an Essa Mbye Faal administration, every negotiated deal will be reviewed and scrutinized for a better structured, accountable and fair deal for the country.

Potential for Resource Exploitation
Without robust legal frameworks and professional negotiation teams, The Gambia risks falling into the “resource curse” trap where corruption, conflict, and inequality deepen as resource revenues flow into private hands rather than national development.

Electoral Corruption and Vote Buying

Barrow’s political survival strategy has relied heavily on bribery and the manipulation of vulnerable communities. Reports from multiple constituencies indicate that cash, rice, oil, and onions are distributed during campaigns to secure votes. Such practices not only violate electoral laws but also demean the dignity of the Gambian electorate, reducing democracy to a transactional exchange.

Unequal Distribution of National Wealth

While ordinary citizens struggle, the political elite have enriched themselves. The President, cabinet ministers, and judiciary have received astronomical salary increases, while public servants and teachers remain underpaid. The national budget reflects a government more concerned with self-preservation than service delivery. Public funds, grants, and international aid intended for infrastructure, education, and health, are routinely diverted to private accounts or ghost projects. This unethical and corrupt practice will come to an abrupt end under the leadership of Essa Mbye Faal.

Unconstitutionality of a Third Term

The Gambian Constitution, as interpreted under the spirit of the 2016 transition, limits the presidency to two terms. Barrow’s attempt to seek a third term undermines the democratic principles that ended Yahya Jammeh’s dictatorship. It represents a betrayal of the social contract and a dangerous precedent for authoritarian entrenchment. Legal experts argue that any third-term bid would be unconstitutional and a direct assault on the rule of law.

The Case for Essa Mbye Faal and the APP Sobeyaa Vision

Integrity, Competence, and Accountability
Essa Mbye Faal represents a new generation of leadership, educated, principled, and globally respected. His experience as an international lawyer and prosecutor at the International Criminal Court underscores his commitment to justice and ethical governance. Faal’s approach emphasizes transparency, meritocracy, and institutional reform.

Economic Renewal and Self-Reliance
Faal’s vision rejects the “beggar’s mentality” that has defined Gambian politics. His platform promotes a “can-do” mindset focused on local empowerment, entrepreneurship, and value-added production. By investing in education, technology, and agriculture, his administration would aim to create jobs and reduce dependency on foreign aid.

Coalition Building for National Redemption
The fragmentation of opposition parties has historically benefited incumbents. A united coalition of reformist parties under a shared national agenda could decisively defeat Barrow’s corrupt regime. Data from recent electoral cycles show that combined opposition votes consistently outnumber those of the ruling party, indicating that unity is both mathematically and politically viable.

If Essa Mbye Faal becomes the flagbearer of a united opposition coalition, his chances of victory increase substantially. The key conditions for success include:

Unified opposition:
• Alignment with major parties and smaller civic movements to avoid vote fragmentation.
• Broad regional representation: Inclusion of influential figures from all regions, especially the rural heartlands where Barrow remains strong.
• Clear governance agenda: A concise, credible plan addressing economic hardship, corruption, and youth empowerment.

Electoral Math:
In 2021, opposition votes combined (UDP, Faal, GDC, CA, etc.) exceeded 45%, roughly matching Barrow’s total. A united front under Faal could potentially surpass 50%, particularly if turnout among urban and youth voters increases.

Hot-Button Issues to Focus On

Key Focus Areas
1. Economic Relief and Cost of Living
• Propose targeted subsidies for essential goods and fuel.
• Promote local agricultural production to reduce import dependency.
• Introduce tax incentives for small businesses and youth entrepreneurs.
• Introduce and enforce Price Controls Mechanisms
2. Youth Employment and Skills Development
• Launch a National Youth Employment and Innovation Fund D50,000,000 per year for 5 years.
• Partner with private sector and diaspora investors for job creation.

Mismanagement of Aid, Grants, and Development Funds

International partners have provided substantial financial assistance to The Gambia since 2017, including EU budget support, World Bank infrastructure loans, and IMF recovery funds. Yet, transparency in expenditure remains nonexistent. Projects such as rural electrification, road rehabilitation, and youth empowerment programs have been plagued by inflated costs and incomplete delivery. Millions in donor funds have vanished without audit trails, feeding a cycle of mistrust and dependency.

Conclusion

Re-electing Adama Barrow would entrench corruption, deepen poverty, and erode democratic institutions. His administration’s record is one of squandered opportunities, moral decay, and national humiliation. In contrast, Essa Mbye Faal offers a credible path toward renewal, anchored in integrity, competence, and self-reliance. The 2026 elections are not merely a political contest but a referendum on The Gambia’s future: whether to continue down a path of decay or to reclaim the nation’s dignity through visionary leadership and collective action. KERR FATOUThe Fatu NetworkWhat's On - Gambia

Cherno Touray
Deputy National Administrative Secretary
APP Sobeyaa

Rebuttal: Fiscal Truth vs. Political Theatre

In the serious business of national governance, Gambians deserve clarity and facts, particularly from the Ministry of Information. Instead, Minister Ismaila Ceesay has recently chosen to engage in personal attacks and fiscal distortion to deflect from the Barrow administration's alarming record.

His recent ad hominem barbs against APP-Sobeyaa leader Essa Mbaye Faal, a renowned international lawyer, are a transparent attempt to divert the public’s attention. Labelling a critic "mentally unsound" is not a substitute for a credible policy defence. This tactic is especially cynical coming from a minister who, before his appointment, publicly declared that the president he now serves "lacked the pedigree" to lead. Such profound ideological flip-flops, driven by political convenience, fundamentally erode the public's trust in his statements.

The minister's true failure, however, lies in his deliberate misrepresentation of The Gambia's dire fiscal situation, thus, a reality Mr. Faal precisely diagnosed.

The Specter of Unsustainable Debt

The core of the issue is the 2026 budget. Mr. Faal, citing the government's own figures, raised the alarm on two fronts: runaway debt and the critical underfunding of our nation's youth.

The numbers are stark. The 2026 budget allocates a staggering D13.46 billion for debt servicing and D6.89 billion for interest alone. This is not an abstract figure; it represents 31% of the total D59.3 billion anticipated expenditure. As The Standard newspaper noted, for every three Dalasis the government spends, one is immediately consumed by past obligations, leaving precious little for development.

In a brazen attempt at deflection, Minister of Misinformation AKA Spin Dr. attributes this surge solely to the depreciation of the Dalasi. The facts, however, tell a different story.
Debt servicing has exploded from D11.02 billion in the 2025 budget to D13.46 billion in 2026. This represents a 22% increase in a single year, a leap that far outpaces the 12% growth in the overall budget. This is not an unfortunate consequence of currency fluctuations; it is the predictable result of what Mr. Faal correctly identified as "wasteful spending and uncontrolled borrowing."
This administration's addiction to debt which is projected at another D7.6 billion in domestic borrowing for 2026 is a ticking time bomb. While the wage bill balloons to D10.3 billion and subsidies to D8 billion, critical sectors are starved:

• Education: D5.91 billion (14%)
• Health: D3.14 billion (7%)
• Agriculture: D1.77 billion (4%)

Combined, these three essential pillars of our society receive just D10.82 billion, significantly less than what we spend servicing our debts. This is not fiscal management; it is generational sabotage. To add insult to injury, the government made poor choices about where to apply austerity measures to address our growing debt. Health and Agriculture are the lifeline of any country, and the very fact that the government so ill-conceivably decide to cut on these sectors shows the Gambian people that there is a lack of care for our well-being and food security.

A Deliberate Falsehood on Youth Funding

Perhaps the minister's most egregious distortion concerns the Ministry of Youths and Sports. Mr. Faal decried the 2026 allocation of a woeful D146.5 million, a pittance that amounts to just 0.34% of the total budget. For a nation where the median age is 19, this is an insult.

In response, Minister Ceesay invented a fictitious "additional D70 million" from "sport levies," painting a false picture of hidden generosity.

This is a deliberate and flagrant falsehood. As any expert in Gambian fiscal law would know, all such levies flow directly into the Consolidated Fund (Just like any other funds accruing to the Government). The D146.5 million listed in the 2026 draft budget draws from all the funds available to the government and is presented as the final propose as the final appropriated amount by the government to be consider by Parliament. Contrary to the misinformation by the minister there is no secret slush funds whether from a levy or any other source.

The minister’s claim is not a simple error; it is a calculated lie designed to mislead the 70% of our population that is young and to avoid scrutiny for abandoning our crumbling sporting infrastructure and youth development programs.

Gambia needs Accountability
Ismaila Ceesay’s theatrics: from playground insults to fiscal fairy tales are the desperate diversions of a regime cornered by its own failures.
APP-Sobeyaa and our leader, Essa Mbye Faal, stand by the facts. The government's own budget documents are an indictment of its reckless stewardship. We reject these smears and summon the nation to a fiscal awakening.

The Gambian people deserve transparent accounting, prudent borrowing, and a budget that invests in human capital, not one that handcuffs our future. We urge all citizens to look past the minister's bluster, examine the cold, hard figures, and demand the accountability we are owed.

Ousainou Bobb
National Spokesperson
APP Sobeyaa

Timeline of Corrupt Practices in The Gambia (2016–2025)
Adama Barrow is inherently corrupt

This timeline provides a structured, year-by-year account of The Gambia’s major grants, loans, and aid inflows under President Adama Barrow, alongside the discrepancies, mismanagement, and audit findings that followed. It highlights how systemic corruption, weak oversight, and political interference consistently undermined development financing and donor confidence.

Here are the unfortunate numbers!

2016
The Jammeh Legacy
- Context: Final year of Yahya Jammeh’s rule, marked by opaque financial management and escalating public debt.
- Key Financial Flows: Limited donor engagement due to governance concerns.
- Discrepancies:
- Over D500 million in unreconciled accounts and undocumented expenditures (NAO).
- Funds diverted into presidential accounts without parliamentary approval.

2017
Transition and Donor
Re-engagement
- Context: Barrow’s first year; international donors re-engaged following Jammeh’s departure.
- Key Financial Flows:
- EU pledged €225 million (=D14 billion) under the European Development Fund (EDF).
- Focus areas: governance reforms, agriculture, and infrastructure.
- Discrepancies:
- D1.2 billion in untracked budget support.
- Funds absorbed into general expenditure instead of earmarked projects.

2018
Early Donor Inflows
- Key Financial Flows:
- World Bank Development Policy Operation (DPO): $55 million (=D3 billion).
- IMF Extended Credit Facility (ECF): $47.1 million (=D2.5 billion).
- Discrepancies:
- D450 million unaccounted for in NAWEC procurement contracts.
- IMF exposed misreporting of national debt figures.

2019
Local Government Leakages
- Key Financial Flows:
- Continued EU and World Bank disbursements.
- Launch of Banjul Rehabilitation Project (D975 million).
- Discrepancies:
- D48 million misappropriated across Banjul, Brikama, and Basse councils.
- Kerewan Area Council:
D12 million in missing revenue.
- Inflated contracts flagged in the Banjul Rehabilitation Project.

2020
COVID-19 Funds and SECURIPORT
- Key Financial Flows:
- Over $75 million (=D4 billion) in COVID-19 emergency funds from World Bank, IMF, AfDB, and bilateral donors.
- SECURIPORT contract signed (=D1.2 billion).
- Discrepancies:
- D143 million in unsupported COVID-19 expenditures.
- SECURIPORT contract signed without parliamentary approval, diverting airport revenues.

2021
OIC Summit Funds and Stalled Projects
- Key Financial Flows:
- Continued COVID-19 donor support.
- Saudi Arabia and OIC pledged investments for the 2022 Summit.
- Discrepancies:
- D143 million in irregular COVID-19 payments (NAO Phase 1 Audit).
- OIC projects stalled, with funds unaccounted for.
- Local councils continued revenue leakages and inflated contracts.

2022
Banjul Project and SECURIPORT Scandal
- Key Financial Flows:
- Banjul Rehabilitation Project ongoing (D975 million).
- SECURIPORT contract in effect.
- Discrepancies:
- Entire D975 million undocumented in NAO Special Audit.
- SECURIPORT contract confirmed as illegal and revenue-draining.
- Evidence of collusion and kickbacks between officials and contractors.

2023
Consolidated COVID-19 Audit
- Key Financial Flows:
- Continued donor support for recovery and governance.
- Discrepancies:
- Additional D98 million in irregular COVID-19 expenditures.
- Total COVID-19 discrepancies (2020–2023): D241 million.
- Weak accountability in donor-funded health and social protection programs.

2024
IEC Election Scandal
- Key Financial Flows:
- UNDP and EU support for elections; IEC received over D350 million.
- Discrepancies:
- D301 million transferred into Returning Officers’ private accounts.
- D15.8 million unauthorized incentives to IEC staff.
- Police confirmed D3.17 million fraudulent payments.
- Political Fallout:
- Auditor General dismissed after exposing IEC and SECURIPORT scandals.
- Reports of executive pressure to silence NAO.

2025
Investigations Revealed
- Key Financial Flows:
- Continued donor engagement, though confidence eroded.
- Discrepancies:
- IEC scandal dominates, with over D320 million misappropriated.
- NAO weakened by the dismissal of the Auditor General, raising concerns about future accountability.

Summary of Major Discrepancies (2016–2025)

2016–2017
Gov’t Accounts N/A
D500M+ unreconciled, undocumented

2017–2020
EU EDF (€225M ≈ D14B)
D1.2B absorption issues

2018–2020
World Bank DPO ($55M = D3B) D450M NAWEC procurement irregularities

2019–2022
IMF ECF ($47.1M = D2.5B)
D300M debt misreporting

2019
Local Councils N/A
D60M misappropriations

2020–2023
COVID-19 Funds ($75M ≈ D4B)
D241M unsupported expenditures

2019–2022
Banjul Rehab Project D975M
Entire D975M undocumented

2020–2022
SECURIPORT D1.2B Unauthorized, diverted revenues

2024–2025
IEC Elections D350M
D320M+ misappropriated. The supposed institution IEC is innately corrupt at its core. It must be reconstituted and rid of corrupt tendencies.

Total Estimated Discrepancies (2016–2025): Over D5 billion

Conclusion

From 2016 to 2025, The Gambia received billions in grants, loans, and aid intended to stabilize the economy and support reforms. However, systemic corruption, political interference, and weak oversight mechanisms led to over D5 billion in discrepancies.

Key patterns include:
- 2016–2017: Legacy of Jammeh-era opacity.
- 2018–2020: Donor
re-engagement undermined by mismanagement.
- 2020–2023: COVID-19 funds became a major corruption avenue.
- 2022–2024: Large infrastructure and electoral projects riddled with fraud.
- 2024–2025: IEC scandal exposed entrenched impunity, with executive interference silencing oversight bodies.

The dismissal of the Auditor General in 2025 highlights a deeply troubling reality: entrenched corruption has undermined institutional independence, eroded public trust, weakened oversight bodies, and shaken donor confidence.

Call to Action

APP Sobeyaa is not just a political party—it is a people-powered movement for justice, accountability, prosperity, and progress. By uniting Gambians across generations, we can end corruption, empower the youths, and build a nation where every citizen thrives.

Don’t procrastinate! “Join the Movement. Shape the Future. Vote APP Sobeyaa!. Vote for the Honorable Essa Mbye Faal for President in 2026.” He is the Solution to Gambia’s many impending problems.

Cherno Touray