GAMBIA: When Dreams Clash with Reality: Analyst Labels Barrow’s Brufut-Dubai Claim as Exaggeration

On Saturday night, Sulayman Ben Suwareh, also known as Bun Dawda, who had been on a 6-week break from all social media platforms, including Facebook live and radio shows, made an appearance on a radio interview on AG Radio. Bun Dawda dismisses any claims or doubts regarding being coerced into silence, whether through witchcraft or bribery from Statehouse in Banjul. He explains the reasons for his absence, addressing any concerns that had arisen.

AG Radio: What are your thoughts on President Adama Barrow’s recent statements comparing Brufut to Dubai?

Bun Dawda: I appreciate the question; I am familiar with that statement. Adama Barrow is out of touch with reality. He once said that German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, during his visit to The Gambia from December 13–14, 2017, which was the first by a European head of state since President Adama Barrow took office, expressed that he had never encountered a city as beautiful as Banjul. The same Adama Barrow once said that when he was a boy, he used to climb 500 meters of Caba trees. Adama Barrow tends to exaggerate most of the time, which is why he compared Brufut to Dubai.

AG Radio: Do you believe that President Adama Barrow was misinterpreted by Gambians when he made those remarks?

Bun Dawda: I have heard some individuals claim that Barrow merely aims to distract the public, but that is not accurate. He means his words. He has a problem with exaggeration. Barrow’s perspective is that development revolves around attractive buildings; he fails to grasp the true essence of development. Like Senegal’s development plan known as “Senegal 2050,” Gambia also had a plan during its first republic under Sir Dawda Jawara, who envisioned transforming Gambia into the “Singapore of Africa.” During the second republic under dictator Yahya Jammeh, there was “Vision 2020,” which is why Adama Barrow is attempting to emulate his predecessors by creating his vision of “Brufut is like Dubai.”

AG Radio: What are your thoughts on President Adama Barrow’s remark that some hospital wards in The Gambia resemble hotels?

Bun Dawda: Why is he comparing hospitals to hotels instead of informing the public about the developments and improvements he has made to our hospitals, especially considering that Gambia’s healthcare system is failing? A few pleasant wards in a hospital do not equate to a quality healthcare system. Adama Barrow must focus on investing in multiple areas for Gambia, including social capital, human resource capital, and natural resource capital, rather than solely concentrating on built capital such as infrastructure. Maintaining the country’s infrastructure has posed significant challenges in this country. Visit the VIP lounge at Banjul International Airport; it lacks adequate restroom facilities. Observe the Denton bridge; the government is neglecting proper maintenance until it ultimately collapses.

According to Bun Dawda, the current government focuses on constructing infrastructures but neglects to ensure proper maintenance. This explains why many of these infrastructures are already deteriorating. He exaggerates the expenses, and the remainder ended up in his pocket.

AG Radio: What are your thoughts on the corruption concerns and controversies related to the Gambian government’s agreement with the Turkish firm Albayrak Group regarding the Banjul Port and the proposed Sanyang deep-sea port, and why do you believe this is a significant political issue?

Bun Dawda: I have previously cautioned Gambians, and everything I have stated has indeed come to come to pass. Understanding who Albayrak Group is requires an awareness of the extent of corruption that Albayrak has been implicated in within Somalia and Guinea Conakry. When a capable government eventually takes office, the extensive corruption during Adama Barrow’s administration will be revealed. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, the First Lady and wife of President Adama Barrow, Ousman Jobarteh, the Managing Director of The Gambia Ports Authority (GPA), and Ebrima Sillah, Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure (MOTWI), have all benefited from the questionable contract between Statehouse and Albayrak Group.

Reports indicate that the method employed to grant the port concession to Albayrak could have contained significant flaws. Although several companies submitted bids, reports indicated that only one (Bolloré) completely satisfied all technical criteria, yet the government chose to grant the contract to a consortium led by Albayrak. Critics contend that this brings to light concerns regarding transparency and fairness in the selection process.