Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – President Adama Barrow has called on Gambians to embrace ethical politics, peace, and national unity as the country heads into the politically charged year of 2026, warning that violence, hate speech, and divisive rhetoric could undermine hard-won democratic gains.
In his New Year address marking the end of 2025 and the dawn of 2026, President Barrow underscored that the upcoming presidential election must be conducted in an atmosphere of restraint, respect for rights, and adherence to shared national values.
He urged political actors, media professionals, and social media content creators to reject hate speech and contribute to a political culture anchored in tolerance and ethical conduct.
“Let us engage in ethical politics and avoid violence, enmity, disunity, and violation of one another’s rights,” the president said, stressing that peace and stability remain indispensable to national development.
Reflecting on 2025, which marked The Gambia’s 60th anniversary of political independence, President Barrow described the year as historic, citing what he called significant democratic consolidation and development achievements during his nine years in office.
He pointed to progress under the 2023–2027 Yiriwa National Development Plan, highlighting expanded road networks, advances toward universal electricity access, and the connection of many rural communities to the national grid.
He also cited notable expansion in education and health, saying access to university and tertiary education had improved to the point where all qualified candidates now have a fair chance of admission. Healthcare delivery, he added, has “taken a new turn for the better,” while the country’s growing role in international forums reflects renewed global confidence after years of isolation.
Against this backdrop, President Barrow framed ethical politics as a prerequisite for sustaining development and effective governance. He linked nation-building not only to infrastructure and policy reforms but also to collective responsibility, integrity in public service, and respect for democratic norms.
Acknowledging persistent challenges, the president cited the unresolved constitutional reform process, cost-of-living pressures driven by global markets, youth unemployment, irregular migration, crime, and uneven rainfall affecting agriculture.
He also referenced global conflicts and unconstitutional changes of government in parts of Africa as destabilizing factors with wider implications.
To address these issues, he called for increased productivity, reduced dependence on foreign commodities, and a professional, patriotic public service. He proposed “Punctuality, Productivity, Professionalism, and Efficiency” as guiding principles for the New Year, alongside a renewed collective fight against corruption.
Looking ahead, President Barrow said 2026 would be a year of stocktaking to assess performance over the past five years, draw lessons, and reinforce institutions.
Planned priorities include further road construction, continued pursuit of universal energy access, strengthening the health sector with an eye on medical tourism, and supporting a growing tourism industry.
Concluding his address, the president reaffirmed his commitment to inclusivity, universality, and the protection of citizens’ rights, calling on all Gambians—at home and in the diaspora—to work together for the country’s betterment.
“It takes all to build and develop a nation,” he said, cautioning that only a few could disrupt peace if vigilance is lost. He urged Gambians to enter 2026 with optimism, solidarity, and a shared resolve to uphold ethical politics as the foundation of democracy and development.
