By Fatou Sillah
Sainey Jawara, the National Assembly member representing Lower Saloum, on Wednesday warned that recent statements by former President Yahya Jammeh constitute a direct threat to The Gambia’s national security and its fragile democratic progress.
Speaking during a parliamentary session, Jawara cited comments Jammeh made via a WhatsApp audio message at a gathering in Kanilai on October 26, 2025, describing them as “provocative” and “deeply insensitive” to the victims of Jammeh’s 22-year rule.
“I rise to bring to the attention of this august Assembly a matter of urgent national concern—a threat to our national security posed by the recent utterances of former President Yaya Jammeh,” Mr. Jawara said.
Mr. Jawara drew attention to the findings of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission, which documented at least 240 killings carried out by state agents during Jammeh’s tenure. The commission recommended that the former president be prosecuted for murder, unlawful killings, rape, torture, and other grave violations.
“Given this background, it is deeply troubling that the former president continues to make public pronouncements about his alleged intention to return to the country,” Mr. Jawara said. “Particularly at a time when our nation is working to consolidate peace, stability, and democratic governance.”
He argued that Jammeh’s statements risk heightening tensions among citizens and undermining national unity, warning that they could erode confidence in the rule of law.
“While I commend the Government for its recent statement, it must now take a firm stance to put an end to former President Jammeh’s continued mobilization of people and public statements that are inimical to our national peace and stability,” he said. “His latest pronouncements have generated fairness among Gambians and raised legitimate concerns about our national security preparedness and the government’s resolve to uphold justice and the rule of law.”
Mr. Jawara concluded by asserting that Jammeh would not return to power and that Gambians remained committed to protecting their democracy.
“My message to the Gambian people is clear: Yaya Jammeh can never again be president of this country,” he said. “The people of The Gambia are determined to defend their democracy and the values of justice, peace, and accountability.”