26/03/2026
My Take OnThe 2026 State of the Nation Address (SoNA)*
The President’s 2026 State of the Nation Address was a marathon of words that skillfully avoided the key actions and accountabilities the Gambian people truly need. While the speech was long in duration, it was dangerously short on tangible solutions for the most pressing crises facing our citizens.
*Electoral Integrity: A Test of Sincerity*
If the President truly desires credible elections in 2026, he should have used this address to issue a stern warning against the illegal registration of non-Gambians and ineligible voters. To ensure a fair process, the President must call for stringent measures to keep ineligible claimants away from both the Supplementary Voter Registration and the upcoming elections. Crucially, he missed the opportunity to command all Alkalolu and Seyfolu to remain law-abiding and to stop issuing attestations to ineligible persons. A "peaceful election" is only possible if the foundation of the vote is honest and protected from fraud.
*The Education Contradiction*
The President claimed that tuition fees should not be a barrier to higher education, yet his actions tell a different story. If he truly meant this, why did his administration remove the education levy that was specifically designed to support college students? This levy was a vital lifeline for the underprivileged. By removing it while claiming to support affordable education, the President has shown a blatant disregard for the financial struggles of our students.
*Deceptive Pleas for Peaceful Discourse*
The President spoke about promoting mutual respect and peaceful political discourse. However, we view this as a deceptive plea. This is a promise the President himself is likely to disregard first, as he has frequently shown a lack of restraint when dealing with opponents. A call for peace is hollow when it is not backed by the leader's own conduct and temperament.
*The Betrayal of Groundnut Farmers*
A heartless omission was the failure to address the plight of our unpaid groundnut farmers. The "State of the Nation" cannot be strong when the backbone of our economy is being pushed into poverty. Farmers who have labored all season are still waiting for their money, yet the President offered no explanation, no timeline for payment, and no apology for this systemic failure.
*Negligence in Migration and Agriculture*
While the President acknowledged that irregular migration is "dangerous," he failed to mention a single tangible measure his governance has implemented to tackle it. Similarly, in agriculture, he left the House in the dark regarding fertilizer. We do not know if it has been procured or if it is in the country. With the Middle East conflict threatening global supplies, this silence is a direct threat to our food security.
*Corruption and the Eco-Lodge Scandal*
The President confirmed the appointment of Anti-Corruption Commissioners but failed to report any progress after a year. No prosecutions have occurred, and audit reports continue to be ignored. Furthermore, the D118 million eco-lodge scandal—defined by negligence and potential conflicts of interest—was completely omitted. By staying silent, the President is choosing to shield those responsible rather than demanding accountability.
This address was a performance of avoidance. We do not need more marathon speeches; we need a government that pays its farmers, protects its voter rolls, and takes responsibility for its own failures.
The Struggle Continue