By Olimatou Coker
A new political movement, the Economic Freedom Fighters -The Gambia, led by the self-styled ‘Prince’ Ebrima Sanyang, is set to join the presidential race scheduled for 5th December.
At a well-attended event at Kairaba Hotel on Friday afternoon, EFF-Gambia launched the movement and unveiled a six-point programme focused on reducing the cost of living, creating jobs, improving education and healthcare, supporting vulnerable families, modernising infrastructure and strengthening national security.
In his statement, the Brikama-born businessman said his movement’s priority will be to reduce the prices of basic foods and commodities by establishing “Freedom Stores”, which will serve as “a national buffer stock company” to support Gambians and help farmers.
He also proposed the revival of village cooperative unions, revamping the Gambia Produce Marketing Board and the establishment of a national fishing company with Gambian-owned vessels, and provision of cold storage and processing facilities.
“On employment, I promised to make zero unemployment a national mission through a proposed ‘One Ward, One Industry’ programme, start-up grants for youths and women, community credit schemes and taxi financing,” he outlined.
He also promised free education and healthcare, including giving stipends to students, and provision of ambulances to villages.
Under his social protection agenda, Sanyang proposed monthly relief packages for low-income families and a D1,500 monthly payment for every Gambian aged 60 and above. “Under my leadership, I promised a national minimum wage, improved conditions for civil servants and affordable housing”.
Prince also proposed to revive the dream of a Gambian national airline citing his previous attempt to contribute to the establishment of a state airline and leasing an aircraft which was parked at Banjul International Airport hangar.
He said the aircraft was exposed to the elements for a prolonged period and eventually had to be released.
He also proposed the introduction of community bus services, operated in partnership with local authorities, to ease the daily transportation difficulties faced by commuters in the country.
The movement also plans to revitalise the national river transport system, set up a national railway, and build a new international airport.
Sanyang said these projects would not remain political slogans but form part of “a carefully planned national development strategy”.
On security and governance, Sanyang promised better training for the police and fire and rescue services and providing them the appropriate equipment.
He said an EFF-Gambia government will ensure greater transparency in awarding public contracts and adopt tough anti-corruption measures.
He also promised to protect Gambians abroad and strengthen the country’s international standing.
He said the national utilities company, Nawec, is not fit for purpose and will be broken up and replaced with an outfit that will ease the energy burden on Gambians.
He assured that EFF-Gambia will not engage in the “politics of revenge, hatred and victimisation”.
He said the movement will be guided by four principles: people before power; service before privilege; justice for everyone; and accountability at all levels.
“I do not offer perfection, promises or miracles to Gambians. I offer honest leadership, disciplined work, careful planning and accountability for what we deliver. EFF-Gambia is a peaceful, democratic, pan-African and people-centred movement committed to fighting poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment.”
Prince Sanyang has not given details of how he intended to finance his ambitious reforms.
Representatives from the United Democratic Party, Afro-Movement, National Development Movement, and others attended the launching.
The movement took its name from the party of the South African firebrand Julius Malema, an acquaintance of ‘Prince’ Sanyang’s.