Africa-Press – Gambia. Members of the National Assembly engaged in a heated debate on Wednesday over a motion raised by Hon. Sainey Jawara concerning remarks made by former President Yahya Jammeh. The comments, delivered in a WhatsApp audio message to his supporters during a gathering in Kanilai on October 26, 2025, fueled speculation about Jammeh’s alleged intention to return to the country.
Lawmakers expressed differing views on whether Jammeh’s return would constitute a genuine security threat or whether the concerns were primarily political.
Hon. Assan Touray, representing Bakau Constituency, called for a measured and diplomatic approach. “I have the greatest respect for the former head of state, Jammeh, and I will be very much willing to welcome him back to the Gambia, but it has to be channeled through diplomacy,” he said.
By contrast, Hon. Sheriff Sarr of Jeshwang argued that any return must address past grievances.
“Jammeh’s coming should be a blessing to the country. What do the victims want? They want justice; if it takes him years to come, now he wants to come back home. He said he was powerful; now he is no more powerful—those powers are twisted. Why should we even talk about it? My concern here is that Jammeh was the leader of this country, and there are many things that were put on him; whether he was accused or whether they were real, we cannot determine. He must face justice and determine if he is guilty,” he said.
Some lawmakers downplayed the notion of a security threat. Hon. Musa Badjie, representing Tallinding Kunjang Constituency, said, “I disagree with everyone who wants to paint a picture that Jammeh’s coming is an insecurity to this nation.” Similarly, Alagie S. Darboe of Brikama North suggested the concerns were more political than security-related. “Maybe a political fear, but not a security fear. Politically, we are prepared; he is free to come and return to the Gambia,” he said.
Others emphasized the need to support victims of Jammeh’s 22-year rule. Alagie Mbowe, member for Upper Saloum, urged the assembly to enable the executive branch to take necessary measures.
“If this National Assembly is serious about supporting the victims of the former president, I think now is the time for us to move a motion to clear the path for the executive to do the needful. Every Gambian here, one way or the other, you have been a victim,” he said.
The majority leader, Billay G. Tunkara, representing Kantora, cautioned against associating Jammeh with the APRC party. “Honorable Speaker, it is very misleading to attribute APRC to Jammeh. It is an insult to the followers and anybody who promises, ‘If elected, I’m going to bring Jammeh, you have a claim to answer,” he said.
Almami Gibba, representing Foni Kansala, questioned the basis for labeling Jammeh a security risk. “If Jammeh is a security threat today, who is controlling the narrative of the Speaker of the National Assembly? If Jammeh is a security threat, who is controlling as the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly? If Jammeh is a security threat, the security apparatus that he had left is the same security apparatus that is here,” he noted.
The debate reflects deep divisions within the National Assembly and across Gambian society over how to balance justice for past abuses with the political realities of a possible Jammeh return.
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