President Adama Barrow hosted a celebration for Arsenal's English Premiership title win on Sunday. The event at State House in Banjul drew criticism from some Gambians amidst ongoing power supply issues in the country.
The Celebration and Its Fallout
Images from the State House celebration quickly circulated online, drawing public criticism. Many Gambians expressed dismay, particularly given the ongoing challenges with electricity supply across the nation. The event marked Arsenal's victory in the English Premiership, breaking a 22-year drought for the North London club. The team had last secured the title over two decades ago, making this year's win a significant milestone for its supporters worldwide. However, for some in The Gambia, the timing of presidential festivities, even for a sporting achievement, was perceived as insensitive amidst the country's persistent power crisis. Public sentiment reflected a desire for presidential focus on immediate national infrastructure issues.
Defense of Presidential Recreation
Critics accused President Adama Barrow of lacking compassion and empathy for the population, which continues to suffer from acute electricity shortages. However, Suntou Touray defended the president's actions, stating that celebrating with friends who are Arsenal supporters did not signify neglect of the country's electricity challenges. Touray commented, "As it is an election year in The Gambia, every issue is likely to be picked up, amplified, and used to raise the political temperature. However, the president’s celebration with Arsenal fans should not be one of those issues." He added, "spending a Sunday with friends who happen to be Arsenal supporters does not mean that the president is neglecting the country’s electricity challenges."
Touray further argued that normal human interaction, relaxation, and recreation are important for everyone, including public officials. He explained, "The event took place on a Sunday and did not affect the president’s ability to delegate responsibilities, monitor developments, or oversee efforts aimed at restoring electricity and addressing other national concerns." He also noted progress, stating, "It is also important to acknowledge the significant progress made under the president’s leadership in expanding access to electricity. Many communities that had never enjoyed electricity in the country’s history now have access to power. This achievement deserves recognition." Touray concluded that constructive criticism should be grounded in fairness and context.
Political Context and Criticism
The article was published on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The opposition Unite Movement for Change strongly criticized the event, stating, "We wish to state clearly and without equivocation: the State House of The Gambia is the seat of government of a sovereign nation. It is a symbol of the people’s trust, funded by the taxes and sacrifices of ordinary Gambians. It is not a football viewing centre. It is not a private lounge for the president’s personal leisure. And it is most certainly not a venue for foreign sports celebrations while citizens struggle with the daily burden of poverty, unemployment, and misgovernance. There is a profound difference between a private citizen enjoying a sporting moment and a sitting Head of State deploying the resources and prestige of the State House to celebrate a club in North London, while Gambian schools remain underfunded, hospitals lack basic medicines, and young people risk their lives on the ‘backway’ in search of the dignity their own country has denied them. This is not a question of football."
Suntou Touray, however, acknowledged significant progress made under the president's leadership in expanding access to electricity. Touray noted that "Many communities that had never enjoyed electricity in the country’s history now have access to power. This achievement deserves recognition." He added that such celebrations do not hinder ongoing efforts to restore electricity or improve service delivery, stating, "The two issues are unrelated."
