During a radio interview on Saturday evening, Sulayman Ben Suwareh, known as Bun Dawda, made an appearance on AG Radio. He was presented with several questions regarding the contentious Statehouse-Albayrak contract.
AG Radio: How do you feel about the corruption issues and disputes surrounding the Gambian government’s contract with the Turkish company Albayrak Group regarding the Banjul Port and the proposed deep-sea port of Sanyang? Why is this a significant political issue?
Bun Dawda: I have previously issued warnings to Gambians, and everything I said has come to pass. Understanding the extent of Albayrak’s involvement in corruption in Somalia and Guinea Conakry is necessary to comprehend the Albayrak Group. Massive corruption under Adama Barrow’s administration will be exposed when a capable government takes office. The questionable agreement between Statehouse and Albayrak Group has benefited Ebrima Sillah, Minister of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure (MOTWI), Ousman Jobarteh, Managing Director of The Gambia Ports Authority (GPA), and Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, President Adama Barrow’s first lady and wife.
According to investigative reporting, there may have been problems with the procedure that gave Albayrak the port concession. The government gave the contract to an Albayrak-led consortium even though reports indicated that only one company, Bolloré, fully satisfied all technical requirements despite multiple companies bidding. Critics contend that this calls into question the selection process’s fairness and transparency.
AG Radio: The distribution of port revenues is one of the main grievances raised by opposition politicians and civil society: Despite the port being a significant economic asset, the concession reportedly gives Albayrak about 80% (or possibly up to 96% in some revenue streams) of the port’s income, while the Gambian government keeps only 20% (or as little as 4%). Critics claim that this could mean that, in comparison to the economic value of its own port, Gambia receives very little benefit. How do you feel about these?
Bun Dawda: An average Gambian would not be able to explain the harm done by this administration; perhaps a specialist in the field could provide an overview of the losses incurred by The Gambia. Giving 80% or 96% to a foreign company is illogical. There are numerous competent Gambians who could effectively manage the seaports if Adama Barrow is unable to do so. In the past, the Gambian ports were highly renowned throughout Africa. Albayrak is aware that bribery is rampant in the Gambia, which is why this corrupt government has been infiltrated.
AG Radio: The legality of the agreement has also been questioned by rights organizations and analysts. There was no law governing public-private partnerships (PPPs) at the time, and some contend the concession was never duly approved by the National Assembly. What is your opinion regarding this?
Bun Dawda: I am completely not surprised. Any accusations made against this government should be taken seriously. A public-private partnership is under the ministry of finance (PPP). If you remember, the public-private partnership (PPP) conducted an assessment and advised the government against the contract between Statehouse and Securiport. Nevertheless, the government proceeded with the deal because Adama Barrow knew he would profit from such a corrupt arrangement. Corruption is the only thing that drives Adama Barrow to continue as president.
