Prince Ebrahim Sanyang
Founder and Party Leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), The Gambia, Prince Ebrahim Sanyang, has declared war on poverty, insisting that “poverty is not the destiny of the Gambian people.”
Speaking to a packed audience at the official launch of EFF Gambia at Jama Hall on Saturday, August 22, 2026, Sanyang said his political movement was born out of years of listening to the cries of ordinary Gambians — mothers struggling to feed their families, youth without jobs, and communities crushed by the rising cost of living.
“No family should go hungry because basic commodities have risen beyond its reach,” he declared. To tackle the cost of living crisis head-on, the EFF leader outlined an ambitious food security plan.
He pledged to establish Freedom Stores across the country to provide affordable and subsidized essential commodities, and a National Food Buffer Stock Company to stabilize prices and prevent artificial scarcity.
For agriculture, he promised a sector-wide revolution through the “1 Village, 1 Cooperative” initiative, the revival of produce marketing boards, and increased access to modern machinery, irrigation systems, and financing for farmers.
He further announced plans to establish a National Fishing Company aimed at making fish — a staple protein — affordable for every Gambian household while creating thousands of jobs for youth along the coastal communities.
“We have come with credible solutions and to restore politics to its highest purpose: the honest and courageous service of the people,” Sanyang said.
Sanyang stressed that the ultimate test of development is not GDP figures, but whether a mother can feed her children and whether every child has a fair chance at education.
He therefore outlined what he described as ten solemn, non-negotiable promises to the Gambian people:
- Food Security: Establish Freedom Stores, a National Food Buffer Stock Company and a National Fishing Company, while reviving the “1 Village, 1 Cooperative” initiative.
- Jobs and Economy: Adopt zero unemployment as a national mission, introduce “1 Ward, 1 Industry” and a 24-hour economy, and provide enterprise grants for young people and women.
- Education and Health: Progressively provide free quality education and free primary, maternal and emergency healthcare, alongside the “1 Village, 1 Clinic” and “1 Community, 1 Ambulance” initiatives.
- Family Relief and Dignity: Provide monthly relief packages for low-income households and a D1,500 monthly stipend for all citizens aged 60 and above.
- Infrastructure: Ensure every household has affordable access to water, electricity and internet, and launch a “1 Village, 1 Borehole” initiative to bring clean water within reach of every community.
- Public Safety: Establish “1 Community, 1 Police Station” and “1 District, 1 Fire Service” to keep every neighborhood safe, while defending the nation’s sovereignty and borders.
- Women, Youth and Families: Recognize women and young people as equal partners in nation-building, and invest in youth leadership, sports, and skills training so families across the country can thrive together.
- The Gambia in Africa and the World: Maintain the Republic’s independence in foreign affairs while building friendly ties with all nations, deepen cooperation across Africa, promote trade and investment abroad, and stand up for Gambians living in the diaspora.
- Honest Government and Strong Institutions: Fight corruption at every level, manage public funds transparently, strengthen the courts and oversight bodies, and make sure every Dalasi collected from the people serves the public good.
- World-Class Infrastructure and Sustainable Communities: Develop major long-term projects such as a national railway, a new international airport, a national airline and a shipping line, alongside affordable housing and industrial parks, and build safe, well-planned communities in cities and villages alike.
“No Gambian who works honestly should remain trapped in poverty. This is not charity from political leaders but the rightful return of the people’s resources to the people,” he declared.
Other social commitments under the EFF’s family relief and dignity agenda include a national living wage, improved conditions for civil servants, affordable housing schemes, and dedicated support for persons with disabilities.
Ban NAWEC To Fix Power Crisis
In one of his most hard-hitting pronouncements, Prince Sanyang vowed that if elected, his government will ban the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) in its current form. He said NAWEC has failed Gambians and become a symbol of inefficiency, erratic supply, and crippling bills that have stalled businesses and disrupted daily life. “When we come to power, NAWEC will be banned,” he stated emphatically.
He promised to replace it with a sustainable, modern electricity plan that will ensure stable and affordable power for households and industries. Sanyang pledged that every commitment made by the EFF will be properly accounted for, phased and monitored, adding that his government will only borrow to finance productive development that creates wealth and jobs for Gambians.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke