Ambassador Roca made the clarification when responding to a question posed by Askanwi Media, amid growing public concern over the source of the funds.
Her response directly contradicts assertions by Tambajang, who, during a media interface, alleged that the D50 million was part of a European Union subvention intended to support women across The Gambia but was instead distributed for political purposes.
However, Ambassador Roca dismissed the claim, drawing a clear distinction between past EU-supported initiatives and the recent disbursement.
“The European Union did support the creation of a fund at a certain moment,” she stated. “But the European Union has not at any moment put any money into the distribution that was done with NPP women.”
She explained that while the EU had previously supported the establishment of financial mechanisms aimed at empowering businesswomen, those initiatives are no longer under EU control.
“We supported the creation of a fund for businesswomen a long time ago,” she added. “The government took it on, and it is now operating on its own path, doing what it has to do.”
The ambassador was unequivocal in distancing the EU from the controversial payout, stressing that no EU funds were injected into the distribution made to NPP women.
“We have not paid any money into the fund that was distributed through the NPP party,” she reiterated.
The issue has sparked widespread debate, with many questioning whether public or donor funds was used for partisan purposes.
Tambajang’s earlier remarks heightened scrutiny, as she suggested that resources intended for national development and women’s empowerment were diverted for political gain.
Read Other Articles In Headlines
