Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – In recent weeks, food price inflation has been a major issue in The Gambia, particularly following the announcement by bakers of a planned D3 increase in bread prices. This development has reignited debates over the rising cost of basic commodities and the government’s ability to manage inflation, which stood at 10% as of January 2024, according to the Central Bank of The Gambia.

During an interview on West Coast Radio, Foni Kansala lawmaker Almameh Gibba criticized President Adama Barrow’s handling of the economy, claiming that his predecessor, Yahya Jammeh, had done a better job in controlling food prices. However, a fact-check of his statements has found them to be misleading.

Claim 1: Jammeh Controlled Rice Prices Better Than Barrow

Gibba argued that under Jammeh, a bag of rice cost between D800 and D950, whereas under Barrow, the price had surged to D2,250–D2,300. He suggested that Jammeh had successfully controlled food prices during his tenure.

Fact-Check:

Public records and reports from the Ministry of Agriculture show that neither administration had control over rice prices, as The Gambia produces only a fraction of its rice needs—just 19% of the total consumption. The remaining supply is imported, making prices dependent on global market forces.

When Jammeh assumed power in 1994, a 50 kg bag of rice cost around D150. By the time he left office in 2016, prices had increased significantly. Reports from Foroyaa newspaper and other public records show that in early 2016, American rice was selling for D1,050–D1,150 per 50 kg bag, with some varieties reaching D1,400. The cheapest, less popular varieties were still priced at D950 and above.

Thus, the claim that rice prices were between D800 and D950 under Jammeh is false. Additionally, suggesting that Jammeh had control over these prices is misleading, as market forces dictated price changes during both administrations.

Claim 2: Senegalese Soldiers Were to Blame for the Rebel Ambush Near Ballen

Gibba also addressed the security situation in Foni, particularly a Casamance MFDC rebel ambush near Ballen that resulted in the deaths of two soldiers. He claimed that Senegalese troops stationed in Bwiam were responsible for the incident, stating that they pursued a lorry into a rebel zone, provoking a deadly response.

Fact-Check:

The ambush was linked to a longstanding security issue between Senegal and The Gambia: the smuggling of illegal rosewood from Casamance. Former President Jammeh was a key player in this trade, which contributed to deforestation in Senegal and reportedly helped fund rebel groups.

Following Jammeh’s departure in 2017, Senegal and The Gambia reached a security agreement aimed at curbing rosewood trafficking. The two governments collaborated on operations to confiscate and sell illegal timber. In 2018, former Senegalese President Macky Sall and President Barrow reaffirmed their commitment to ending the trade.

The soldiers killed in the ambush were reportedly pursuing a truck suspected of carrying illegal rosewood from Senegal. Their mission aligned with an established joint security policy between the two countries. By omitting these critical details, Gibba’s comments misrepresented the context of the military presence and the incident itself.

Conclusion

Both claims made by Almameh Gibba were found to be misleading. His assertion that Jammeh kept rice prices low misrepresented historical data, as prices had already risen significantly before his departure. Similarly, his comments on the rebel ambush omitted key facts about the illegal rosewood trade and the joint security operations between The Gambia and Senegal.

As inflation and security issues remain pressing concerns, accurate information is crucial for informed public debate.

Source Fact-Check Gambia