The Gambia Times

06/12/2025

06/12/2025

THE GAMBIA TIMES

Special Editorial • National Affairs & Economy

TWO MEN AT THE WHEEL, IS SAIDY & KEITA STEERING GAMBIA INTO ECONOMIC CRISIS?

Central Bank Governor Buah Saidy and Finance Minister Seedy Keita under scrutiny as Dalasi weakens and public distrust grows

Banjul, As the Gambian economy continues its turbulent slide, public frustration is mounting and attention is shifting towards two of the nation’s key economic custodians: Central Bank Governor Buah Saidy and Minister of Finance, Seedy Keita. With the Dalasi losing value, inflation tightening its grip on households, and communication inconsistencies surrounding national debt, many citizens and analysts are questioning whether the current economic leadership is capable of steadying the nation’s financial course.

From the markets of Serrekunda to the remittance counters feeding families back home, the signs are clear, Gambians are feeling the squeeze.

A Currency Under Pressure

Over recent months, the Dalasi has experienced a notable devaluation, raising concerns across business circles and the general public. Importers complain of rising exchange rates, consumers face frequent price hikes, and salary earners report that their wages no longer cover half of what they used to.

The Central Bank, under Governor Saidy, has offered little reassurance beyond standard statements, leaving citizens searching for clarity and direction. Critics argue that weak monetary policy and financial mismanagement have worsened an already fragile economy.

Karpowership Controversy Raises Questions

Controversy intensified when Finance Minister Seedy Keita announced publicly that the country owed Turkish energy supplier Karpowership $19 million in arrears. Shortly after, media reporting, including coverage by The Fatu Network, suggested that the debt had already been settled, contradicting the Minister’s earlier claim.

The inconsistency triggered debate, leaving many Gambians demanding transparency. Was the misinformation a communication error, or does it expose deeper confusion within the Ministry of Finance? So far, answers remain elusive.

Diaspora Insult Sparks Outrage

Another wave of public reaction followed Governor Saidy’s remarks referencing diaspora Gambians living in “two-by-three metre houses” and speaking only after a meal. For many, the comments were an insult to the very community whose remittances contribute significantly to national stability.

Remittances from abroad inject millions of dollars annually into the economy, often surpassing domestic revenue streams. Analysts note that without diaspora support, the pressure on the Dalasi and the cost of living could be far worse.

Questions of Competency and Accountability

While both officials continue to occupy their positions, critics insist that the country’s economic future may depend on whether leadership changes or policy reforms are enacted. With inflation climbing and the currency weakening, Gambians are asking whether fresh expertise and direction are urgently required.

The heart of the concern is simple: Can the current custodians of the economy deliver growth and stability, or are they presiding over decline?

The People Are Watching

As economic tension rises, the public mood reflects exhaustion and impatience. From street vendors to civil servants, there is a growing sentiment that accountability must be demanded, not requested.

Gambia’s economy cannot thrive on uncertainty. It requires confidence, discipline, strategic planning, and above all, transparency.

Editorial Position

Leadership is not measured by title, but by results. At this moment, results are scarce and frustration is plenty. The Gambia Times believes that Governor Buah Saidy and Minister Seedy Keita owe the nation clear answers, a recovery plan, and an honest account of the state of the economy.

If change is not delivered through policy, it may be demanded through the voice of the people.

History records leaders not for what they promised, but for what they delivered.

The Gambia watches and waits.

By Mark Saho, UK 🇬🇧.

06/12/2025

05/12/2025

THE GAMBIA TIMES | INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Envoys Mount Pressure on President Suluhu Over Rights Concerns in Tanzania, Dar es Salaam

December 5, 2025

A coalition of Western diplomats, including the United Kingdom, Canada and fourteen European embassies, has issued a joint statement urging the government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan to take decisive steps toward improving human rights and political freedoms in Tanzania.

In what many analysts describe as the strongest coordinated diplomatic message in recent years, the envoys called on the administration to release the remains of citizens allegedly killed during electoral unrest, allow families to bury their loved ones in dignity, and grant detainees access to legal representation and medical care. The statement further requested the government to unconditionally release political prisoners and opposition figures held during post-election tensions.

The embassies expressed concern over reports from civil society and rights groups alleging excessive use of force during protests, arbitrary arrests, and prolonged detention without trial. While the government has previously dismissed such reports as exaggerated and politically motivated, international scrutiny continues to grow.

Tanzania, long viewed as one of East Africa’s most stable nations, has faced mounting criticism following contested electoral processes and restrictions on civic space. Human rights organisations say the current spotlight presents a crucial moment for President Suluhu’s administration to demonstrate transparency and reinforce her earlier promises of reform and national dialogue.

Local political observers argue that diplomatic pressure may influence the government’s approach ahead of future elections, particularly as Tanzania seeks to maintain global partnerships, tourism growth and foreign investment.

The Tanzanian government is yet to release an official response to the joint statement at the time of publication. However, ministers close to the administration insist that peace and national security remain a priority, and deny systemic political repression.

As the situation unfolds, families of those affected continue to wait, for justice, closure, and the hope that reconciliation may follow.

END

05/12/2025

From Prison Yard to Property Mogul, How One Man Broke His Own Cycle

When Donald Hinton walked out of prison gates, he carried more than a bag of belongings, he carried a vow. A promise to his son that his story would not end where it once fell apart. If there was going to be a turning point, it would start with him. The cycle would end on his watch.

During his time behind bars, Donald found a way to make every day count. While others counted time, he counted purpose. Working with UNICOR and running a small store inside the facility, he saved $10,000, a fortune for a man with limited freedom, but a seed for the future he was determined to build.

Four months after regaining his freedom, he made the bold move many fear: he bought his first property, a duplex. One unit became his home, the other became income. A simple strategy, but a powerful one. That step, backed by discipline, sacrifice and belief, laid the foundation for a life no one imagined for a man society once wrote off.

From that single property, Donald built momentum. Learning, reinvesting, hustling with purpose. Brick by brick, opportunity by opportunity. Today, the same man who once counted days in a cell now counts 19 homes in his real estate portfolio.

A journey that began with loss and regret has transformed into a story of redemption, ownership and legacy.

Donald didn’t just come home, he returned with a mission. And in doing so, he proved something many men need to hear:

Where you start is never where you must finish.

04/12/2025

04/12/2025

Response to Bakary Badjie’s False Narrative on KMC & Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda

By Mark Saho, UK 🇬🇧

Bakary Badjie’s recent comments about KMC and Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda were not only cheap political shots, they were a desperate attempt to rewrite reality. The irony is painful, the Minister of Youths and Sports, under whose watch our national stadium remains in endless renovation and our youth continue risking their lives on the Backway, wants to attack a mayor who is delivering development people can see every day. This is the same government that has failed to properly manage the sports sector, denied Gambians the chance to play home games, and cannot point to a single landmark youth empowerment program that transformed the lives of young people nationwide. Instead of fixing his ministry, Bakary finds comfort attacking Talib, the very man who defeated him politically in 2018 and 2023.

Yet despite all obstacles, Talib still delivered. He modernized waste management with new fleet trucks and skip containers, ensuring cleaner communities. He rehabilitated community roads, created jobs, digitalized revenue collection for transparency, upgraded municipal parks, supported small businesses, and uplifted worker welfare. He also built something historic, the first-class Municipal Library in KMC, the first of its kind, giving young people a space to learn, research and dream. That is development. That is leadership.

Meanwhile, the Government has been withholding the 25% subvention legally meant for councils since 2018, starving them of funds needed for development projects, yet they stand on podiums criticizing mayors for not doing enough. How can you deny councils their rightful resources then blame them for limitations your own administration caused? This is not just unfair, it is calculated sabotage of local development.

Talib is delivering with less, while the Minister is failing with more. If Bakary wants to debate performance, he must first match Talib’s record, not attack it. Gambians are not blind. Results speak. KMC is moving forward. The Ministry cannot say the same.

It’s time for accountability, not excuses, not jealousy, not cheap politics.

04/12/2025

It is painful to witness what is happening in Guinea-Bissau today. At a time when the nation needed the world to stand with them the most, it feels as though the international community has turned its back. The people have spoken clearly through their votes, yet one man, intoxicated by power, refuses to honour the choice of the Guinean people.

What makes this even more troubling is the silence from institutions that claim to defend democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Organisations such as the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union and ECOWAS are watching events unfold but have taken no decisive action. Their inaction raises serious questions about their commitment to the very principles they often preach.

Guinea-Bissau today stands on a dangerous edge. Power abuse, democratic disruption and ongoing violations of fundamental rights are creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. If nothing is done to restore constitutional order and respect the will of the people, the situation risks escalating into instability or even armed conflict, something no African nation should have to face again.

The people of Guinea-Bissau deserve to be heard. They deserve peace. They deserve leadership that respects the ballot and sovereignty of the nation. The international community cannot remain silent when democracy is under attack. History will judge those who watched and did nothing.

04/12/2025