Analyst Warns Barrow Risks Losing Development Focus After a Decade in Power

By Makutu Manneh

Political analyst Lamin Juwara has warned that President Adama Barrow risks shifting his focus from national development to consolidating political power if he remains in office beyond a decade, a trend he said has undermined democratic governance across Africa.

Speaking on Kerr Fatou’s Politic Kachaa program, Mr. Juwara argued that African leaders who remain in power for more than 10 years often become increasingly preoccupied with preserving their authority and securing their political futures rather than addressing the needs of their citizens.

He said President Barrow appeared to be moving in that direction, warning that such a shift could threaten The Gambia’s democratic consolidation.

Mr. Juwara also challenged President Barrow’s description of himself as the country’s most peaceful president, arguing that the credit belonged instead to the Gambian people.

“President Barrow saying that he is the most peaceful president, I would say he is the president that has one of the most peaceful populations,” he said.

He noted that Gambians had endured decades of inadequate access to essential services, particularly electricity, without resorting to widespread unrest.

Despite more than 50 years of such hardships, he said, citizens had largely remained peaceful and patient.

Mr. Juwara criticized the government’s response when frustrated citizens eventually took to the streets, arguing that authorities focused on the demonstrations rather than addressing the underlying grievances that prompted them.

His remarks reflected broader concerns about prolonged incumbency, government accountability, and the future of democratic governance in The Gambia.