Sheriff Kijera Joins UDP With a Welfare-State Blueprint for Gambia

Sheriff Kijera has joined the United Democratic Party and brought a detailed policy proposal aimed at reshaping social protection in The Gambia. The former chairman of the Victims Centre presented the plan to UDP leader and presidential flag bearer Ousainu Darboe, according to the report. The proposal sets out a vision of a welfare state intended to guarantee citizens a basic level of economic security and access to essential services. Its priorities include affordable housing, universal healthcare, retirement security and unemployment benefits for people actively seeking work. At the centre of the plan is a proposed overhaul of the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation. Kijera recommends expanding and restructuring the institution into a National Welfare and Social Protection Authority, which would oversee social protection, housing, retirement security and strategic national investment. The document also calls for a Ministry of the Welfare State, led by a Chancellor of the Welfare State. That ministry would coordinate the development and delivery of welfare programmes across the country, as well as monitor their implementation. While presenting the proposal, Kijera said the reforms were intended to create a more inclusive society, protecting people from poverty, unemployment, illness and insecurity while giving them equal opportunities to advance economically. His policy announcement came alongside a political decision: he formally endorsed the UDP and said he would join the party. Kijera also pledged to campaign with its leadership and supporters ahead of the forthcoming presidential election. The report describes his endorsement as a potential boost for the opposition, citing his public profile and advocacy work on issues facing victims and vulnerable groups. The UDP had not yet announced whether it would adopt the welfare-state proposal as part of its platform, although the plan had already prompted discussion about social protection and the country’s economic direction.