By Michaella Faith Wright
The leader of the Gambia Action Party (GAP), Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly, has accused the country’s political class of neglecting ordinary citizens, saying Gambians are struggling to survive while politicians focus on rallies, rivalry and personal gain.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Batchilly criticised both the National People’s Party (NPP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP) for prioritising political ego over national welfare.
“Ordinary Gambians are exhausted by the rising cost of living while politicians continue parading themselves from crowd to crowd,” he said. “When leaders chase crowds, citizens chase survival. GAP stands firmly with the people against corruption, neglect, and exploitation.”
Batchilly highlighted the deepening hardships facing citizens, noting that essential commodities have become unaffordable, transport fares continue to rise, and NAWEC has increased tariffs despite unreliable water and electricity. He pointed to the plight of market women who “return home with empty pockets after long days under the sun.”
He condemned the recent increment of parliamentary salaries, saying: “While taxpayers sleep hungry, lawmakers enrich themselves.” Farmers, he added, lack storage facilities, processing centres and government support, leading to wasted produce while the country imports expired foods that threaten public health.
On healthcare, Batchilly said public hospitals lack equipment and life-saving drugs, placing intense pressure on families. While private pharmacies help bridge gaps, he stressed that healthcare must be “a right, not a privilege based on one’s ability to pay.”
Blaming corruption for the country’s suffering, Batchilly accused public institutions of becoming tools for self-enrichment. He called for a new national direction — one that lowers the cost of living, supports farmers, strengthens healthcare, restores workers’ dignity, and places citizens at the centre of governance.
By Michaella Faith Wright The leader of the Gambia Action Party (GAP), Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly, has accused the country’s political class of neglecting ordinary citizens, saying Gambians are struggling to survive while politicians focus on rallies, rivalry and personal gain. In a statement released on Tuesday, Batchilly criticised both the National People’s Party (NPP) The Fatu Network
