Madi Jobarteh, Founder EFSCRJ
By Fatou Sillah
Madi Jobarteh, a prominent human rights activist in The Gambia, has sharply criticized President Adama Barrow, questioning his integrity and warning that an attempt to seek a third term in office would deepen governance and accountability challenges in the country.
Speaking in a recent television interview, Mr. Jobarteh, the executive director of the Edward Francis Small Center for Rights and Justice, said President Barrow had failed to live up to the standards expected of his office.
“Barrow is not someone that has integrity. He doesn’t keep his word,” Mr. Jobarteh said. He added that the presidency requires “someone that is knowledgeable and has good character,” suggesting that President Barrow had fallen short of those expectations.
Mr. Jobarteh also expressed concern that extending President Barrow’s tenure beyond two terms would entrench corruption, weaken accountability mechanisms, and exacerbate human rights violations.
“Going for a third term is not good for President Barrow because what that will make is that the bad things that are happening right now will continue, and even if he stops at a third term, that is going to create a situation where holding him accountable will be difficult because in his 10 years, lots of corruption happens, many human rights violations occur, and many violations of the constitution, which he should be accountable for,” he said.
He maintained that stepping down after two terms would serve both the national interest and President Barrow’s personal legacy, while allowing the ruling National People’s Party to present a new candidate to voters.
“Barrow can step down for his own benefit and for the benefit of the country, and the NPP can put up another candidate,” he said.
Mr. Jobarteh also urged Gambians to oppose any attempt to introduce or normalize a third presidential term, regardless of who stands to benefit. “Gambians should not entertain a third term, no matter who is involved,” he said.
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