Presidential aspirant Prince Ebrima Sanyang on Saturday officially launched the Economic Freedom Fighters Gambia, unveiling the new political movement as a democratic and peaceful platform focused on addressing poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment.
The launch ceremony, held at the Kairaba Hotel, brought together opposition politicians, supporters, religious and traditional leaders, diplomats and members of the media.
In his address, Sanyang said his decision to enter politics was driven by years of listening to Gambians express concerns about the rising cost of living, unemployment and limited economic opportunities.
“I prayed over it. And today, before Almighty Allah and before the people of The Gambia, I answer that call,” he said.
Sanyang said the movement would not be built around the interests of a single individual, ethnic group or region. Instead, he described it as a national organisation intended to represent Gambians from different social and economic backgrounds.
“It belongs to the mother in the market; the farmer, fisherman, teacher, nurse, worker, and unemployed graduate who still believes tomorrow can be better,” he said.
The presidential aspirant argued that The Gambia had failed to fully convert its economic resources and potential into widespread prosperity. He identified rising food prices, low wages, graduate unemployment and limited access to healthcare and clean water among the major challenges facing the population.
Irregular migration was also a central theme of his address. Sanyang said the large number of young Gambians undertaking dangerous journeys through the “backway” was largely driven by a lack of economic opportunities and confidence in their prospects at home.
“The Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean must no longer become graveyards for Gambian dreams,” he said. “We cannot tell our young people to stay while providing no reason to remain.”
Addressing young Gambians, Sanyang said: “Your country sees you. Your country needs you. And your life is too precious to be surrendered to the sea.”
He said the Economic Freedom Fighters Gambia would operate on what he described as “shared values for shared prosperity,” with a commitment to making politics a vehicle for honest, responsible and courageous public service.
The movement’s launch adds another political platform to an increasingly competitive landscape ahead of The Gambia’s December 5 presidential election, with poverty, youth unemployment, economic opportunity and migration expected to remain major issues in the campaign.
