By: Fatou Krubally
Disability rights advocate has warned that persons with disabilities may resort to protests if government fails to address what he described as worsening living conditions ahead of elections.
Lamin Manneh, Chairman and Secretary General of the National Organization for Disabilities and Orphans (NODO), said rising economic pressures are disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups, particularly persons with disabilities.
He cited increases in fuel prices, transport fares, and essential commodities, noting that while the economic situation affects the general population its impact is more severe on persons with disabilities.
“If able people are complaining, persons with disabilities are the most vulnerable within the community,” he said.
Mr. Manneh expressed concern over what he described as limited implementation of the Disability Act, which was assented to in 2021, saying it has not translated into meaningful improvements for persons with disabilities.
He said many persons with disabilities continue to face unemployment, lack of educational support, and limited access to assistive devices, with some still relying on street begging for survival.
“Government has never given them any support directly,” he said, adding that essential tools such as wheelchairs, braille materials, and learning aids remain inaccessible to many.
He further noted that the situation is more challenging in rural areas, where access to support services is even more limited.
Describing the situation as “unacceptable,” Mr. Manneh called on government to urgently address the needs of persons with disabilities.
“They are not considered. It’s unfair,” he said, warning that he would mobilize persons with disabilities, caregivers, and supporters to stage demonstrations if concrete action is not taken before the elections.
