Africa-Press – Gambia. Biran Gai, a political science lecturer at the University of The Gambia, has cautioned that the return of former President Yahya Jammeh could trigger political instability in the country.
Mr. Gai, who also works with the Centre for Research and Policy Development, told in an exclusive interview on Tuesday that Jammeh remains one of the most influential figures in Gambian politics both as a former head of state and as a central figure in the country’s transitional justice process.
“Obviously, he is at the centre of attention. He’s at the centre of Gambia’s transitional justice,” Mr. Gai said, noting that Jammeh’s regime has been associated with alleged human rights violations during his 22-year rule.
The UTG lecturer explained that Jammeh’s exile was intended to safeguard peace and stability, given that segments of the security services remained loyal to him. He said that this lingering loyalty is part of the reason for the continued presence of the ECOMIG contingent in The Gambia.
“I think his return could cause political instability in the sense that if the government decides to take legal action against Jammeh, there may be reactions from those who are still loyal to him,” he warned. “We also have living victims in the country who suffered during his rule. How do we reconcile Jammeh’s return with their pain and expectations for justice?”
Mr. Gai further questioned the readiness of the country’s political and security climate to handle such a development, saying it might be “too early” for the former president to return from exile.
He added that the issue must be assessed through the lens of national security and political stability, especially if Jammeh still harbours political ambitions.
“If Jammeh wants to return to politics, how do we reconcile that?” Mr. Gai asked. “The government must take this matter seriously and prepare accordingly, either to allow him to stay freely until the legal and institutional structures are in place for a possible prosecution, or to move quickly and investigate.”
He concluded that the prospect of Jammeh’s return presents “a fragile situation politically and security-wise,” warning that any decision by the government could have serious implications for peace and stability in the country.
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