By Fatou Sillah
Former Vice President and presidential aspirant Dr. Isatou Touray says her decision to seek The Gambia’s presidency was driven by what she described as President Adama Barrow’s failure to fulfill key reform commitments made to Gambians following the 2016 political transition.
In an interview with Eye Africa TV, Dr. Touray argued that one of the administration’s most significant shortcomings was its inability to enact a new constitution, despite years of constitutional reform efforts and the resources devoted to the process.
“President Barrow failed to implement some of the promises and reforms he made to Gambians. We do not have a Third Republic because the Constitution was not changed,” she said.
Dr. Touray said other reform pledges also remain unfulfilled, adding that persistent economic hardship and limited opportunities have contributed to increasing numbers of young Gambians undertaking the irregular migration route commonly known as the “Backway.” She said many young people feel excluded from national decision-making and do not see themselves represented in government.
She also expressed concern over what she described as rising crime and inadequate support for the country’s security services, saying those challenges reinforced her decision to enter the presidential race.
Reflecting on her time in government, Dr. Touray said she worked within the constitutional limits of the vice presidency to advance national development but noted that executive authority ultimately rested with President Barrow.
She said her removal from office came while she was trying to contribute to the country’s progress but added that she harbors no resentment over her dismissal, describing it instead as an opportunity for reflection. She also pointed to her record of public service, highlighting her tenure as Minister of Trade and later as Vice President.
Rejecting suggestions that her candidacy is intended to secure a ministerial or vice presidential position through a future coalition, Dr. Touray said she is seeking the presidency because she believes she is prepared to lead the country.
“Everybody knows Dr. Touray and the work she has done for this country. No candidate has done anything that I did not do for this country,” she said.
Dr. Touray also cited her role during the 2016 political crisis, saying she was among those who publicly called on former President Yahya Jammeh to relinquish power at a time when, she said, many Gambians were reluctant to speak out.
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