2023-08-20 15:19:26
Faced with a tense economic situation and a high risk of over-indebtedness, The Gambia is adopting an austerity policy. President Adama Barrow has ordered a temporary suspension of foreign travel for all members of the Executive Branch and government institutions.
In a move aimed at drastically reducing public spending, Adama Barrow, the Gambian head of state, has decreed a suspension of all foreign travel until the end of the current year. This decision affects not only the president himself, but also the vice president, ministers, senior officials and all employees under government institutions and agencies.
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This austerity measure comes in a context where the country’s public debt has reached an alarming level. Indeed, according to an analysis conducted jointly by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in November 2022, The Gambia has a public debt which represents 83.9% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The country’s risk of debt distress has been rated as high, highlighting the need for drastic measures to stabilize the economy.
It is important to note, however, that not all travel is totally prohibited. The government spokesman clarified in his statement that meetings requiring the mandatory presence of Gambian representatives, as well as trips fully financed by external entities, are not affected by this suspension. However, these trips must receive special authorization, either from the president himself or from another authorized official.
This step by the Gambian government underlines the importance of fiscal discipline and the administration’s constant effort to establish sound and responsible economic management.
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