By: Binta Jaiteh
The Youth President of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Hajie Suwaneh, and former Press Secretary of the Gambia Action Party, Sheikhna Faal, have raised concern over the growing culture of street begging in The Gambia, describing it as a clear symptom of poverty, unemployment, and systemic failure.
Speaking in an interview with The Voice newspaper, Faal blamed the government for failing to create sustainable job opportunities for young people. “Government’s failure to strategize ways to create job opportunities is affecting the youth. It will be difficult to eradicate poverty in this country if the youth are not independent. They are the backbone of the country and they need motivation, good education, and jobs,” he said.
He criticized the administration for what he described as a dependency mindset. “This government has one policy, which is to beg. Obviously, what do you expect the youth to do?” he asked. “If they don’t have jobs, of course they will beg or resort to crime.”
Faal emphasized the need for a collective national response. “The current situation is very sad. Only a united effort can change the narrative. Political affiliation should be set aside as we focus on rescuing the country in the next election. We need leadership with the vision to develop and enhance productivity.”
For his part, UDP Youth President Suwaneh echoed similar sentiments, stating “This culture has not only crippled our development trajectory, but it is why we remain stuck in chronic poverty and underdevelopment.” He pointed that mass youth migration as a direct consequence. They feel nothing works here, so many risk their lives abroad just to change the status quo for their families.
