A sharp political confrontation erupted in the National Assembly on Friday after lawmakers from the United Democratic Party (UDP) boycotted the 2026 budget speech delivered by the Minister of Finance. Their absence followed a public call from Yankuba Darboe, the Chairman of Brikama Area Council, urging UDP National Assembly Members to skip the session.
The move drew immediate and forceful criticism from Hon. Gibbi Mballow, who took the floor shortly after the Finance Minister completed his presentation. He accused the UDP representatives of placing personal and party interests above their constitutional duty to the nation.
He described the boycott as unnecessary and misguided. According to Mballow, the budget speech is a critical moment for the country, one that should command the full attention of all elected officials. He argued that refusing to attend because of remarks made by one individual shows misplaced priorities.
“The budget speech is very important and should be treated as such,” he said. “Boycotting because one of your members made remarks not aligned with the law is simply not done.”
Mballow reminded colleagues that the national budget affects every Gambian, from economic stability to daily livelihoods, and should never be undermined by partisan actions. He urged lawmakers to stay focused on the mandate given to them by the electorate.
Speaker of the National Assembly Fabakary Tombong Jatta also addressed the situation. He emphasised that members must follow established procedures when absent from official sittings. Any reasons for absence, he stressed, must be properly recorded and justified according to parliamentary rules.
The clash highlights the rising political friction within the legislature as the 2026 budget begins its scrutiny process. It also underscores the ongoing struggle between party discipline and parliamentary responsibility.
As the debate continues, Gambians will be watching closely to see how their leaders navigate these tensions while shaping the country’s financial priorities for the year ahead.
