“From Condemnation to Complicity: The UDP’s Contradictions on Incendiary Speech”

By Alagi Yorro Jallow 

The paradoxes and contradictions of compromised media, self-proclaimed activists, human rights defenders, and the UDP.

The contradiction becomes even clearer when we recall that the United Democratic Party itself once condemned inflammatory rhetoric with admirable force. On June 25, 2025, as reported by The Alkamba Times, the UDP issued a blistering statement against Agriculture Minister Demba Sabally after he suggested that “shedding blood” might be necessary to secure President Barrow’s reelection. The party described Sabally’s remarks as reckless, irresponsible, and a direct assault on the nation’s democratic principles. They warned that such language risked inciting violence, undermining the integrity of the electoral process, and betraying the ministerial oath to serve all Gambians. Yet today, when similar if not more explicit rhetoric comes from their own senior official, Chairman Yankuba Darboe, the same moral urgency is nowhere to be found. This silence is not merely inconsistent; it exposes a troubling double standard in how political actors choose when to defend peace and when to look away.

Fatoumatta:The Gambia deserves a politics grounded in maturity, starting with the courage to say enough to bloodshed, insults, and tribal smears. Our democracy cannot survive if hypocrisy is normalized; it will only endure if every leader — whether NPP, UDP, minister, or lawyer — is held to the same standard of peace, dignity, and responsibility. So why the silence from the Gambia Bar Association, the National Human Rights Commission, and Baba Jalinding?

Reckless Posturing and a Misguided Narrative on The Gambia’s Electoral Integrity

By Yaya Dampha, NPP Diaspora Coordinator

Dr. Lamin Manneh’s latest public pronouncements regarding a so-called “software” to monitor and track election results are as troubling as they are intellectually shallow. They expose not innovation, but a dangerous blend of ignorance, political opportunism, and a willingness to mislead supporters on matters of national importance.

Let us address the facts—clearly, firmly, and without apology.

The Gambia’s Electoral System Is Manual, Transparent, and Tamper-Resistant

The Gambian voting system is neither electronic nor digitized. It is a simple, physical, and highly transparent marble voting process conducted in full public view. Votes are cast manually, counted manually, and verified manually—right at the polling stations.

There is no digital backend. No electronic transmission. No software-dependent infrastructure.

Therefore, Dr. Manneh must answer a very basic question:

What exactly is this “software” intended to monitor in a system that is entirely non-digital?

Anything presented beyond internal party record-keeping is, at best, redundant—and at worst, a deliberate attempt to manufacture doubt where none exists.

Counting Is Immediate, Open, and Verified by All Stakeholders

At the close of polls, counting begins instantly in the presence of:

Party agents from all contesting parties

Domestic and international observers

Security personnel

Ordinary citizens within the community

Each result is:

Publicly announced at the polling station

Officially recorded

Counter-signed by all party agents present

This is not a hidden process. It is one of the most transparent electoral mechanisms anywhere in the world.

Parallel Tabulation Is Not a License for Public Deception

Political parties are fully entitled to collect their own results through their agents. That is standard democratic practice.

However, let it be unequivocally stated:

No political party, no official, and certainly no self-styled technocrat has the legal authority to declare election results.

That authority rests solely with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

Any attempt—direct or implied—to pre-empt, contradict, or publicly substitute the IEC’s mandate is reckless, unlawful, and a direct threat to public order.

Irresponsible Claims and Dangerous Implications

Dr. Manneh’s repeated assertions of “fraud,” unsupported by judicial validation, coupled with his party’s failure to substantiate such claims in court, raise serious concerns about credibility.

Even more alarming is the subtle conditioning of supporters to distrust official results in advance. This is not vigilance—it is calculated destabilization.

Political actors must understand that:

Democracy is governed by law, not by loud assertions

Electoral disputes are resolved in courts, not on radio talk shows

Public confidence must not be sacrificed for partisan theatrics

Security Institutions Must Remain Vigilant

Any narrative that encourages premature declaration of results or undermines legally established processes falls squarely within the domain of national security.

The security services have both the authority and the obligation to:

Prevent the spread of misinformation capable of inciting unrest

Ensure compliance with electoral laws

Safeguard peace and stability before, during, and after elections

This responsibility must be exercised firmly and without hesitation.

Conclusion: Leadership Demands Responsibility, Not Noise

The Gambian people deserve seriousness, honesty, and respect for institutions—not technological grandstanding or political narcissism disguised as innovation.

Dr. Manneh’s statements do not strengthen democracy; they weaken it. They do not inform the public; they risk inflaming it.

The path to State House is not paved through confusion, intimidation, or self-declared victories. It is earned through lawful participation, credible evidence, and respect for the sovereign will of the people as declared by the IEC.

Anything short of that is not politics—it is recklessness.

Editorial: When Silence Becomes Complicity: Selective Outrage and Dangerous Rhetoric in The Gambia

By JarranewsTV Editorial Board

There is a troubling inconsistency creeping into The Gambia’s public discourse—one that threatens not only fairness, but the very principles of accountability and peace that our democracy depends on.

When Demba Sabally  stated that NPP  supporters were “ready to shed their blood” to ensure the re-election of President AdamaBarrow, the backlash was immediate and intense. Opposition parties, civil society actors, and self-styled activists rushed to condemn the remark. In many instances, the statement was stretched beyond its ordinary meaning—mischaracterized as a call to violence against others, rather than what it more commonly signifies: a willingness to sacrifice oneself for a political cause.

Yet, in stark contrast, when the Chairman of Brikama area council  publicly asserted that “for a peaceful change of government to happen, somebody has to die,” the response has been muted, if not entirely absent. This was not metaphorical. It was not symbolic. It was a deeply troubling assertion that introduces the idea of death as a condition for political transition—an idea that strikes at the very core of democratic order.

The silence from key institutions has been deafening.

Where is the principled response from the National Human Rights Commission? Where are the strong, unequivocal statements from civil society organizations that claim to defend human rights and democratic norms? Why has there been no decisive repudiation from the United Democratic Party, a party that prides itself on legal expertise and intellectual leadership?

This selective outrage erodes public trust. It sends a dangerous message that accountability is guided not by principle, but by political convenience. When one statement is amplified and condemned—arguably beyond its intended meaning—while another, far more explicit in its dangerous implication, is ignored, it exposes a double standard that weakens the credibility of those who claim moral authority.

The Gambia’s democratic journey has been shaped by hard-earned lessons about the cost of instability and the value of peace. That progress must not be undermined by reckless rhetoric or by the failure to confront it when it arises. Words carry weight—especially in politically sensitive moments—and leaders must be held to the highest standard of responsibility.

We therefore call not only on national institutions, civil society, and political actors to break their silence, but also urge the international community and global human rights organizations to take note. Statements that suggest violence as a pathway to political change are not mere domestic concerns—they are warning signs that demand vigilance, scrutiny, and principled response.

The Gambia cannot afford a culture where dangerous words are either distorted for expediency or ignored for convenience. Consistency is the foundation of justice, and without it, advocacy becomes hollow.

Silence, in moments like this, is not neutrality—it is complicity.

https://www.amnesty.org/en/

https://www.hrw.org/

https://www.ecowas.int/

https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-high-commission-banjul

https://gm.usembassy.gov/

HON. DAWDA A. JALLOW, ADDRESSES PBC MEETING ON THE GAMBIA AT UN HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK CITY

At a defining moment in its democratic rebirth, The Gambia steps confidently onto the global stage—not as a nation burdened by its past, but as a beacon of resilience, reform, and unwavering political will. Under the visionary leadership of President Adama Barrow, the country’s transition from the shadows of former ruler to a thriving democratic order stands today as a compelling testament to what determined governance and international partnership can achieve.

This address to the is not merely a diplomatic engagement—it is a powerful declaration of progress, accountability, and national resolve. It boldly affirms The Gambia’s commitment to justice, reconciliation, and sustainable peace, while calling on the world to recognize and reinforce a success story that continues to inspire beyond its borders.

On behalf of His Excellency President Adama Barrow, the Government of The Gambia extends its sincere gratitude to all members of the Peacebuilding Commission for your continued political attention and solidarity with The Gambia's peacebuilding journey. 

The Peacebuilding Commission has been, and remains, an indispensable partner, providing political accompaniment, mobilizing resources, and promoting coherence across the UN system in support of our nationally owned process. 

Your sustained engagement with us in The Gambia sends an important signal of international solidarity with not only member states, but equally, victims and survivors of gross human rights violations, and civil society, all over the world.

Nine years have passed since the end of Former President Yahya Jammeh's 22-year authoritarian rule in The Gambia. In that time, we have been on a remarkable democratic transition. We have witnessed two cycles of peaceful presidential, legislative and local government elections, built new institutions, enacted landmark legislation, and demonstrated that transitional justice can serve as a strong, and genuine foundation for sustainable peace. 

A close and natural partnership has emerged between the Government of The Gambia, our UN Country Team and the Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office (PBPSO) since the onset of our transition in 2017. 

In 2025, this culminated in the selection of The Gambia as the first member state to undergo the Peacebuilding Impact Spotlight exercise through the Peacebuilding Impact Hub. 

For almost 12 months, we have undertaken a thorough and participatory research initiative into what transitional justice has achieved and where it still needs to deliver for the people of The Gambia.  

It has been an intense exercise, but equally an exhilarating and motivating year full of reflections, discussions and consultations.

As Minister of Justice and policy leader on transitional justice in The Gambia, today is an important opportunity to reflect honestly on what has been achieved, what remains, and where international support is most urgently needed for The Gambia. 

Following the conclusion of the research component of the Spotlight exercise, I am grateful for this opportunity to present to you too, Your Excellencies, an outline of a national strategy for transitional justice.

HIGHLIGHTING KEY ACHIEVEMENTS: WHAT WE HAVE DELIVERED

Your Excellencies, 

The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission, established in December 2017 by the Government of The Gambia, created an unprecedented national space for victims, survivors, and perpetrators to speak publicly for the first time about gross human rights violations committed on our country between July 1994 and January 2017. The testimonies and stories broadcasted over live television for almost 3 years gripped our nation. These were difficult times, but necessary. By making truth-seeking a national conversation, this Commission, the TRRC, dismantled denialism and placed The Gambia in a unique historical position to mend our social fabric and contract between people and Government, whilst reaffirming human dignity as the foundation for sustainable peace. 

Following the submission of its Report and recommendations, The Government of The Gambia has consistently demonstrated the highest level of will to drive the implementation of the TRRC’s recommendations to their logical conclusion. 

We have accepted to implement 263 of the 265 recommendations made by the Commission, even publishing an Implementation Plan on how this will be achieved: over a 5-year period (January 2023 to December 2027), involving 304 activities, 59 national institutions and a cost estimate of 150 million USD.

Your Excellencies, 

One needs not look much further than The Gambia for powerful demonstration of sustained political will almost a decade into our democratic transition. Our processes have always been driven by our people, victims and survivors foremost, and responded to by the Government and our National Assembly. Since 2017, The Gambia has introduced robust legislative and institutional frameworks across all pillars of transitional justice:

On the reparations track: The Victims Reparations Act, enacted in 2023, establishes both the Victims Reparations Commission and the Victims Reparations Fund, and essentially takes over from the TRRC’s interim mandate to administer reparations. In 2025 and 2026, the Government of The Gambia allocated 20 million GMD in each year for the Fund, which we are proud to see being administered by the Commission in accordance with its compensation policy. The administration of reparations for victims, survivors and communities of gross human rights violation in The Gambia, is a critical component and milestone of our transitional justice process, one His Excellency, President Adama Barrow often describes as a “super priority.”

On the accountability track: The National Assembly passed the Ban from Public Office (TRRC) Act (November 2023), the Special Accountability Mechanism Act (April 2024), the Special Prosecutor's Office Act (April 2024), and in partnership with ECOWAS, a hybrid tribunal, the Special Tribunal for The Gambia was also created (December 2024). We are proud to present to the world under this framework, a unique post-conflict, justice and criminal accountability mechanism that activates pathways for both domestic and international prosecutions, with a strong focus on judicial expediency, victim’s participation, and witness protection, whilst strengthening national justice and security sector institutions.

On guarantees of non-recurrence: The National Human Rights Commission is fully operational as an “A status,” independent national human rights institution. In more recent times, a National Strategy on Memorialization, and a National Programme on Archiving have also been developed through a consultative approach, and soon to be reviewed by Cabinet.  

All of these formal mechanisms have also been complemented by consistent community dialogues amongst traditional, religious, women and youth-led networks. The Spotlight exercise, and its final Report confirms that this “people centered,” complementarity approach to legislative and institutional building is essential to sustaining peace. 

REMAINING CHALLENGES: AN HONEST ASSESSMENT

The Government of The Gambia is committed to transparency. The Spotlight research confirms what we acknowledge: public confidence declines when implementation slows or is not clearly communicated. 

According to the National Human Rights Commission, mandated to monitor and report on the implementation of the TRRC recommendations, the Government of The Gambia has 3 years into the implementation phase, fully implemented 48 out of 263 recommendations, commenced implementation of another 133 recommendations, and yet to commence implementing 92 recommendations.  

We are committed to accelerating this pace and improving communication with victims, their communities, and indeed, all Gambians. This is not a process we are prepared to allow to stall.

However, a daunting reality must be confronted by the Government, and all supporters of our process. 

The cost estimates to implement the recommendations of the TRRC is approximately 150 million USD, of which significant portions remain unfunded. 

To give this Peacebuilding Commission a concrete sense of what is at stake: the operationalization of the hybrid Special Tribunal alone is estimated to require approximately 60 million USD over five years, or roughly 12 million USD per year. Investigations, and domestic prosecutions through the Special Prosecutor’s Office and the Special Criminal Division of our High Court are estimated to require approximately 2.5 million USD per year. The Victims Reparations Commission requires sustained deposits into the Reparations Fund; the Government has to date, allocated 40 million GMD towards the Fund, and another 20 million GMD for the operations of the Reparations Commission, but the scale of need across victim categories is considerably larger, and indicative figures for full delivery are still being costed as the Commission builds its national victims database. 

Community reconciliation programming and civil society engagement represent a further set of needs that, while individually more modest, are essential to the process’s credibility at the local level. The significant reduction of donor funded governance project, and development financing in general, has created real pressure across all of these tracks. 

In response, the Government of The Gambia is actively looking inwards, and seeking to diversify our partnerships to build on the essential, and promising foundations for sustainable peace thanks to the UN Peacebuilding Funds. 

THE NATIONAL STRATEGY: EMERGING PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT PHASE

Your Excellencies, 

The Government of The Gambia, with technical assistance from the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office is in the process of developing a comprehensive national strategic document on transitional justice, one that consolidates lessons from the Spotlight Report, and 3 years of implementation of the TRRC recommendations. 

We are committed to getting this document right rather than getting it done quickly, but I would like to present an outline of the strategy's emerging framework and key priorities.

The draft National Strategy for Transitional Justice and Peacebuilding in The Gambia responds to a decisive moment in our process. It does not introduce new commitments; it consolidates those already adopted through the Government White Paper and Implementation Plan on the TRRC recommendations, and provides a shared reference to guide delivery during the period 2026–2027. 

Its central purpose is to move The Gambia from a phase defined by frameworks and commitments to one defined by consistent, credible, and visible results. 

The strategy is structured around four interrelated orientations: consolidating existing gains; advancing accountability toward visible delivery; reinforcing guarantees of non-recurrence; and supporting reconciliation in a sequenced manner. 

It clarifies roles across institutions, prioritizes coordination and public communication, and identifies targeted areas for financing and partnership. The strategy acknowledges candidly that the principal challenge today is not the definition of commitments, but their translation into outcomes that victims and communities, and all Gambians can see and feel.

The emerging strategic priorities for the next phase are: (1) operationalizing the Special Prosecutor's Office and the hybrid Special Tribunal; (2) accelerating the reparations programme, including through the Reparations Fund; (3) deepening reconciliation at the community level; (4) advancing security sector reform; and (5) finalizing outstanding legislative reforms. These priorities build on existing national frameworks and reflect the evidence generated by the Spotlight research.

OUR ASK OF THE COMMISSION

Sustained Political Attention and Advocacy

Your Excellencies, 

The Gambia asks the Peacebuilding Commission to continue its political accompaniment. This includes advocating with bilateral partners and international financial institutions for sustained, flexible, and predictable support for The Gambia's transitional justice process. Political attention from this body sends an important signal of solidarity to our victims, our civil society, and our people, and we do not take it for granted.

Financial Support for the Special Tribunal and Reparations

We appeal to member states and partners to consider concrete financial and technical contributions — particularly for the operationalization of the hybrid Special Tribunal and the reparations programme. ECOWAS has provided its political and institutional endorsement for prosecutions. What is now required is funding. The architecture exists; what must follow are resources to operationalize this ambitious- but carefully designed, post-conflict criminal accountability mechanism.

The Gambia as a Model for South-South and Triangular Learning

The Gambia stands ready to share its experience — the lessons of truth-seeking, the importance of institutional anchors, the vital leadership role of victim, women and youth led civil society organizations, and around community-level reconciliation — with countries navigating similar transitions. The Peacebuilding Commission can play a critical bridging role in facilitating that exchange, and we welcome that partnership.

CLOSING: RESOLVE, NATIONAL OWNERSHIP, AND PARTNERSHIP

To conclude, Your Excellencies,

The Gambia's transitional justice process is nationally owned, evidence-based, and irreversible. The Jammeh era is part of our history — but it will not define our future. We have held consultations with our people, built institutions, passed laws, and conducted research into what has worked well, and what can be improved. We are in the process of learning from our own doings, both lessons and best practices, whilst responding to shifts in global political and financial and economic dynamics, with sharper focus of what has always been our objective: the reconstruction of our nation rooted in respect for human rights, the rule of law, human dignity and sustainable peace.

What we now ask is that the international community match our commitment with sustained, reliable support. Since 2017, and despite a long list of multifaceted challenges, The Gambia has demonstrated that where there is political will, there is a way. We remain resolute. We remain committed. And we remain grateful for the solidarity of this Commission.

Continue to stand with The Gambia.

I thank you for your kind attention.

Editorial l: WHEN DIALOGUE PREVAILS: A PATH TO RESPONSIBLE MEDIA REGULATION IN THE GAMBIA

In a moment that could easily have deepened divisions within The Gambia’s media landscape, the Gambia Press Union (GPU) and key stakeholders have instead chosen a path that deserves recognition: dialogue over confrontation. Their recent engagement with media associations, civil society, and legal actors on the proposed 2026 media regulations signals a level of institutional maturity that is both timely and necessary.

At the heart of this development lies a fundamental democratic principle—regulation must be guided by consultation, not imposition. History has shown that when media policies are introduced without broad engagement, they are often met with resistance and mistrust. Conversely, when they are shaped through inclusive dialogue, they gain legitimacy and foster collective ownership.

The proposed Broadcasting and Online Content Regulations 2026, along with accompanying licensing and journalist registration guidelines, represent a significant shift in the governance of the Gambian media sector. These frameworks will inevitably influence how information is produced, distributed, and consumed. As such, they must strike a delicate balance between safeguarding press freedom and ensuring professional accountability.

The GPU’s decision to engage constructively in this process is commendable. Rather than framing the regulations as a witch hunt, the Union has demonstrated leadership by opting for dialogue and consensus-building. At the same time, it is equally important that the Ministry of Information exercises restraint and responsibility. Regulation must not be weaponized against journalists, as doing so would undermine the very democratic values it seeks to uphold.

However, beyond the regulatory debate lies a deeper structural challenge that the media fraternity must confront: the question of identity and standards within the profession.

In today’s digital era, the lines between journalists, content creators, activists, and entertainers have become increasingly blurred. While each of these actors plays a role in public discourse, they are not interchangeable. Journalism remains a distinct profession grounded in ethics, verification, and accountability.

The failure to clearly distinguish between these roles has contributed to a media environment that is, at times, toxic, immature, and potentially dangerous. When individuals without adherence to journalistic standards claim the title of journalist—and when such claims go unchallenged—it erodes public trust and weakens the integrity of the profession.

It is therefore incumbent upon the GPU and media institutions to draw a firm and principled line. Defining who qualifies as a journalist should not be seen as exclusionary, but rather as essential to preserving the credibility and dignity of the craft.

Equally concerning is the growing influence of politically motivated actors within the media space. Media practitioners must remain vigilant against the encroachment of partisan interests—whether from activists with political agendas or from direct political interference. The independence of the newsroom is non-negotiable; once compromised, the public’s access to truth is equally endangered.

Furthermore, there is an urgent need to reassess content priorities within the Gambian media. An overemphasis on political discourse, often at the expense of other critical areas, limits the sector’s contribution to national development. While politics is undeniably important, it must not dominate the entire media agenda.

Greater attention should be given to issues such as entrepreneurship, youth development, education, and innovation. Media platforms must serve not only as spaces for debate but also as tools for empowerment—informing citizens, particularly young people, about opportunities for growth and the pathways to progress.

The recent consensus to involve the Gambia Bar Association as a neutral convener in the next phase of discussions is a positive step. It reinforces the commitment to fairness, legal clarity, and inclusivity in shaping the final regulatory framework.

The road ahead will undoubtedly present challenges. Differences in opinion are inevitable in any democratic process. Yet, what matters most is the willingness of all parties to remain engaged, principled, and focused on the broader national interest.

The events of this past engagement offer a crucial lesson: meaningful progress is achieved not through polarization, but through patience, dialogue, and shared responsibility.

As The Gambia navigates this critical juncture in its media evolution, all stakeholders must rise to the occasion. The GPU must continue to lead with balance and foresight. The government must regulate with fairness and restraint. And media practitioners must uphold the highest standards of professionalism and independence.

Only then can the country build a media landscape that is free, responsible, and truly reflective of the democratic aspirations of its people.

In the end, the strength of a nation’s media is not measured solely by its freedom, but by how responsibly that freedom is exercised.

GAMBIA’S REMARKABLE TRANSFORMATION DRAWS INTERNATIONAL PRAISE

By Yaya Dampha, NPP Diaspora Coordinator

The New Gambia continues to earn admiration on the global stage, as yet another international voice has testified to the country’s undeniable progress under the leadership of Adama Barrow. A visiting Rwandan journalist attending a major international media forum in Banjul expressed genuine astonishment at the scale and pace of infrastructural development across the country—particularly when compared to his last visit a decade ago.

From modern road networks to expanding urban skylines and improved public facilities, The Gambia is undergoing a visible transformation that reflects a government committed to national development and prosperity. The expanding Bertil Harding Highway, the ongoing OIC-funded road projects, and the steady electrification of rural communities stand as concrete proof of a country on the move.

Predictably, as with any progress story, detractors have attempted to downplay these achievements on social media. However, such reactions often expose a troubling mix of misinformation, selective memory, and, at times, outright denial of reality. The truth remains clear: development is not a matter of opinion—it is visible, measurable, and widely acknowledged by both citizens and international observers.

Equally significant is the peaceful democratic environment that now defines The Gambia. The ability of citizens to freely express dissent—even through public demonstrations—is itself a landmark achievement. Under the previous regime of Yahya Jammeh, such freedoms were brutally suppressed. The tragic events of April 2000, where student protesters were gunned down, and the 2016 arrest and death in custody of activist Solo Sandeng, remain painful reminders of a repressive past.

Today, those dark chapters have given way to a new era of tolerance, rule of law, and respect for human rights. Political leaders such as Ousainou Darboe—once imprisoned for demanding justice—now operate freely within a democratic system that guarantees political pluralism and civil liberties.

Moreover, The Gambia’s peace is not merely anecdotal—it is reflected in its growing reputation as one of the most stable countries in the subregion. The return of exiled citizens, the flourishing tourism sector, and continued partnerships with international development organizations all point to a nation that is both secure and forward-looking.

Economic indicators further reinforce this narrative. Increased investments in agriculture, digital infrastructure, and youth empowerment programs are creating opportunities and restoring hope. The expansion of electricity access through projects like the OMVG initiative is connecting communities and powering local economies like never before.

In essence, The Gambia today stands as a compelling example of what political will, democratic governance, and national unity can achieve. While no nation is without challenges, the trajectory is unmistakably positive.

The testimony of the visiting Rwandan journalist is not an isolated opinion—it is a reflection of a broader reality. The Gambia is rising, peacefully and steadily, and the world is taking notice.