The launch of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Gambia and its six-point policy agenda has added another dimension to the growing political debate ahead of the December 2026 presidential election.
Leader and presidential aspirant Prince Ebrima Sanyang has presented an ambitious programme centred on poverty reduction, employment creation, food security, affordable public services, infrastructure, security and justice. His promises, including subsidised essential commodities, agricultural support, decentralised industries, free education and healthcare, affordable housing and stronger public accountability, will undoubtedly appeal to many Gambians struggling with economic pressures.
The emphasis on fighting corruption and ensuring that public officials account for government expenditure is particularly important. Corruption and the misuse of public resources remain issues that political leaders must confront seriously. Sanyang’s pledge to publish annual progress reports could also strengthen citizens’ ability to assess government performance.
However, ambitious promises must be accompanied by credible implementation strategies. Establishing clinics in every village, ambulances for every community, police stations across the country, a railway, a new international airport, a national airline and a shipping line would require enormous financial resources and careful long-term planning.
The same applies to proposals such as zero unemployment, a 24-hour economy, monthly family relief packages and allowances for citizens aged 60 and above. These initiatives may be desirable, but voters deserve to know how they will be financed without creating unsustainable public debt or placing additional pressure on taxpayers.
The EFF Gambia should therefore provide detailed costings, timelines, funding sources and measurable targets for each major promise. This would help transform a political manifesto from a collection of aspirations into a credible governing programme.
The party’s rejection of tribalism, religious intolerance and political violence is also welcome. The 2026 election must be fought through ideas, policies and peaceful democratic engagement.
Ultimately, Gambians should judge every political party not only by what it promises, but by how realistically it intends to deliver. EFF Gambia has put forward a bold agenda. Its next challenge is to demonstrate that the numbers, institutions and resources needed to implement it are equally convincing.