Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – President Adama Barrow on Thursday delivered his 2026 State of the Nation Address (SoNA) before the National Assembly, presenting what he described as a summary of his administration’s achievements and remaining challenges as his current presidential term approaches its end.
The session, presided over by National Assembly Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta, was attended by senior state officials, including Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow and former Vice President and United democratic Party (UDP) leader Ousainou Darboe, alongside cabinet ministers, diplomats, and members of the public.
However, the proceedings were marked by frequent interruptions from opposition lawmakers, particularly Foni Representative Almameh Gibba and his Kiang West colleague Lamin Ceesay, who repeatedly raised points of order during the president’s address and again during the motion to adopt it.
Interruptions Over Parliamentary Procedure
Several disruptions occurred when MP Gibba repeatedly invoked parliamentary rules against clapping in the chamber, arguing that members were violating the assembly’s standing orders.
Speaker Jatta intervened multiple times to restore order, warning lawmakers against unnecessary disruptions and instructing them to address remarks through the chair rather than across the floor.
At one point, the Speaker reminded members that knocking on desks was permitted under parliamentary practice and urged them to allow the president to continue.
The interruptions continued briefly during the seconding of the motion following the president’s speech, prompting further warnings from the Speaker.
Barrow Highlights Economic and Governance Gains
In the address, President Barrow said his administration had overseen significant progress since 2017, citing democratic consolidation, economic recovery, and institutional reforms.
He reported that The Gambia’s economy recorded 5.9 percent growth in 2025, compared with 5.7 percent in 2024, while inflation fell from 10.2 percent in December 2024 to 6.6 percent by December 2025.
Barrow also noted that remittances from the Gambian diaspora reached $872 million in 2025, equivalent to 34 percent of GDP, which he described as a critical support to household incomes and economic stability.
The president said reforms in state-owned enterprises had begun to yield results, with the sector recording a consolidated net profit of D2.5 billion in 2025, reversing a D2.6 billion loss recorded in 2020.
Infrastructure, Energy, and Social Programs
Barrow highlighted major infrastructure expansion, stating that more than 1,000 kilometres of roads had been constructed since 2017, with additional projects underway.
He also pointed to progress in the energy sector, announcing that national electricity access had reached about 90 percent, with government targeting universal access by the end of 2026.
Other initiatives outlined in the address included agricultural subsidies, digital transformation programs, youth and women empowerment schemes, and expanded health and education spending.
Call for Peaceful Elections
As the country approaches the 2026 presidential election, Barrow called on political actors and supporters to conduct campaigns peacefully.
He urged Gambians to maintain unity and tolerance, stressing that elections should strengthen rather than divide the nation.
Debate Scheduled for Next Week
Following the address, Majority Leader Bilay G. Tunkara seconded the motion to adopt the president’s speech, though the moment also triggered brief disruptions from opposition lawmakers.
Speaker Jatta later announced that the full debate on the address would begin on Monday, 30 March 2026, giving lawmakers time to study the speech.
He said the debate would allow the National Assembly to scrutinize the policies and programs outlined by the president as part of its oversight responsibilities.
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