By: Dawda M. Jallow
Some vendors and customers at the Brikama Market have expressed dissatisfaction with the current political and economic situation, calling for change as the country approaches the next general election.
In interviews with The Voice Newspaper, several traders said rising commodity prices, limited job opportunities, and general economic hardship have influenced their political views, with some openly expressing support for opposition parties.
Momodou Jallow, a businessman at the market, said many citizens have endured years of economic difficulty and are now looking for a shift in leadership.
“This is the moment we have been waiting for,” he said. “After all the struggles in terms of jobs, high cost of living, and other challenges, Gambians need change for a better system of governance.”
He adds that many citizens expect improvements in the coming years, including reduced prices of goods, better employment opportunities, and an end to irregular migration.
He also called for stronger measures to address youth migration, commonly referred to as “backway.”
Another vendor, Mariama Saidy, said citizens should be more conscious of the country’s direction and take responsibility through the ballot box.
“The only way to end these struggles is to reject the current situation and bring in a leadership that can deliver,” she said.
Saidy also linked youth unemployment to irregular migration, noting that many young people continue to risk their lives crossing the Mediterranean Sea in search of better opportunities. She says this situation reflects deep economic frustration among citizens.
She further argued that business activities at the market are being affected by rising prices and reduced purchasing power among customers, adding that many traders are struggling to sustain their livelihoods.
A customer, Habibatou Ndow, also shared similar sentiments, saying the current challenges facing citizens are “too much to continue with.” She expressed concern about youth migration and extended condolences to families who have lost loved ones during such journeys.
Ndow added that leadership should be guided by competence and education, stating that many graduates remain unemployed despite their qualifications.
She said: “If we want real change, then we must vote for leaders who can address the challenges we are facing. Gambians deserve better living conditions.”
A former APRC member, Sulayman Badjie, also weighed in, describing the current economic situation as difficult and urging citizens to consider alternative political options. He said coalition arrangements among opposition parties could offer a better path forward.
As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the elections, voices from Brikama Market reflect growing public concern over economic conditions, with many calling for reforms and improved governance in the country’s future leadership.
