By: Dawda M. Jallow
expressed concern over rising unemployment, increasing living costs and economic hardship, with many calling for political change ahead of The Gambia’s 2026 presidential election.
In separate interviews with local media, several youths said the lack of employment opportunities and the rising prices of basic commodities continue to make life difficult for many young Gambians.
Some of those interviewed also urged youths to register for voter cards and participate actively in the country’s democratic process.
Modou Lamin, a vendor at the Black Market, said Gambian youths must take their future seriously by voting for leaders they believe can improve their living conditions.
“This country belongs to us, the Gambian youths, and we have the right to vote for our choice,” he said.
He noted that despite repeated promises over the years, many young people have yet to see significant improvements in job creation and economic opportunities.
According to him, rising commodity prices and limited employment prospects have increased frustration among youths.
“If development was really the priority, people would have already seen major changes since 2017,” he said.
Another respondent, Yahya Mballow, a student at Nusurat Senior Secondary School, expressed concern over growing unemployment among graduates and school leavers.
“After graduating from university or other institutions, many youths still remain jobless,” he said.
He called on the government to establish more vocational and skills training centres to help young people acquire practical trades and improve their livelihoods.
Mballow also linked irregular migration to unemployment and economic hardship, saying many youths now see travelling to Europe as their only option for survival.
He urged authorities to invest more in youth empowerment and vocational training programmes.
Bakary Sarr, another customer interviewed, lamented the rising cost of living and increasing transport fares, saying ordinary Gambians continue to face daily economic challenges.
“People are suffering because prices in the markets and transport fares keep increasing,” he said.
Vendor Sulayman Keita also called for greater focus on development and youth welfare.
“We voted for development and better opportunities,” he said. “Young people want to see real improvement in their lives.”
Observers say the concerns raised by the youths reflect growing economic frustration among many young Gambians as the country moves closer to the 2026 presidential election.