‘We Are Eating Rice Meant for Horses’: Kebba Madi Bojang Slams Gov’t Over Substandard Imports, Vows Agricultural Revival

Written by: Dawda Baldeh

National Democratic Party (NDP) leader Kebba Madi Bojang opened his nationwide tour in Essau village with criticism of the government’s agricultural policies, accusing the authorities of neglecting ordinary Gambians and leaving them dependent on substandard imported food.

Addressing supporters in Lower Niumi as part of his party’s political alliance with NAFAA, Bojang questioned government claims about the falling cost of rice, arguing that the quality of rice consumed in The Gambia is inferior to that in neighbouring countries.

“They are saying the cost of rice has reduced, but ask them what type of rice is eaten in The Gambia compared to Senegal, Mali, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone or Liberia,” Bojang declared.

“In The Gambia, we are eating rice meant for horses. Those at the top don’t eat the rice sold in our markets, and that is why our people are suffering from various diseases. The rice is not clean.”

He accused senior government officials of avoiding the low-quality rice sold in local markets while ordinary Gambians struggle to afford better alternatives.

“They go for quality rice, while it’s only the poor who are left buying these substandard grains,” he said.

Bojang argued that The Gambia has the agricultural potential to achieve food self-sufficiency, reduce its dependence on imports and produce enough food to meet the needs of its population.

Beyond agriculture, the NDP leader criticised the government’s handling of national security, public sector wages and economic management, blaming what he described as poor leadership for the country’s challenges.

“Currently, we don’t even have our own security, it is run by foreign troops,” Bojang said.

“Our salaries are very poor because we entrusted this country to someone who has no idea how to govern. It is time we make the right change. Allowing the current leadership to continue means we will all suffer.”

Bojang urged Gambians to use their votes in the December 5th presidential election to bring about political change, promising that an NDP-NAFAA administration would prioritise national security, healthcare, education and domestic agriculture.

“Anyone who believes he owns this country is fooling himself. It’s the people who make you who you are,” Bojang cautioned.

“We must choose someone who will bring peace, strength, security, and empower our citizens. If you vote for NDP and NAFAA, your votes will bring real development.”