Opposition lawmakers from Gambia’s main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) refused to attend the session in which the 2026 National Budget was tabled, citing the detention of a senior member and their exclusion from meaningful debate. Leading the protest was Lamin Ceesay, Member of the National Assembly (NAM) for Kiang West, who described the budget as “nonsense.”
Standing outside police headquarters in Banjul, Ceesay told reporters the boycott was deliberate: “Why should we sit and listen to that nonsense budget while our party colleague remains behind bars?” he asked.
According to Ceesay, the boycott reflects deeper frustrations with how parliamentary business is conducted under the current administration. He argued that during last year’s budget cycle, UDP lawmakers were “asked to pass the bill without proper debate,” including on critical sectors like agriculture. Under those circumstances, he said, there was no justification to give the 2026 plan their approval.
The protest was triggered by the arrest of a senior UDP figure a move that opposition members believe is politically motivated or aimed at silencing dissent. By refusing to attend the budget presentation, UDP sought to send a message that, in their view, Parliament is no longer a forum for real oversight or accountability.
The 2026 Appropriation Bill was presented in the absence of UDP lawmakers by Finance Minister Seedy Keita, who outlined a multi-billion dalasi spending plan. Under his proposal, much of the budget would go to social sectors like health, education and agriculture. However, critics both within and beyond Parliament warn that the assumptions underlying the plan may be overly optimistic, especially given mounting debt-servicing costs and shrinking non-tax revenues.
Observers say the boycott poses a serious challenge to the budget’s legitimacy, particularly since opposition voices appear excluded from meaningful participation. As it stands, the ruling majority is expected to push the bill through but the absence of opposition support may deepen political tensions and fuel questions over the government’s commitment to transparent governance.
For UDP, the boycott isn’t simply about one draft budget. It’s about principle: insisting that Parliament operate as a genuine forum of checks and balance, not a rubber-stamp for executive decisions.
