“Rumours the Last Refuge of a Defeated Opposition” Adama Barrow is NPP Candidate OK!!

By Yaya Dampha NPP Diaspora Coordinator Sweden 

It is still many months before the December elections in The Gambia, yet fear, uncertainty, and the clear prospect of defeat have already plunged the opposition into political delirium. Unable to offer vision, credibility, or leadership, they have resorted to what they know best: confusion, fabrication, and calculated rumour-mongering.

First came the hollow and desperate “no to third term” chant—an empty slogan designed to mislead rather than inform. When that failed to gain traction, they escalated to the now-familiar tactic of whisper campaigns dressed up as “reliable sources,” falsely claiming that President Adama Barrow is stepping aside. Let us be absolutely clear: these claims are deliberate lies. They are not mistakes, not misunderstandings, but carefully engineered falsehoods meant to deceive the public.

This is textbook political sabotage. We know the playbook. Third columnists manufacture rumours, deploy agents to spread them, and repeat them endlessly until some are tempted to believe them. “I heard it from someone close.” “I swear I witnessed it.” Some will even invoke the names of their deceased loved ones to sell a lie. Repetition does not turn falsehood into truth—it only exposes desperation.

The National People’s Party (NPP) is far ahead of this tired game. We are focused, organized, and grounded in facts, not fiction. We have been clear, consistent, and transparent: President Adama Barrow is the NPP’s candidate for the 2026 presidential election. There is no ambiguity, no hidden agenda, and no retreat. We are confident of returning him to State House—on the strength of performance, not propaganda.

President Barrow’s record speaks louder than any rumour. Good governance. Respect for the rule of law. Peace, stability, and national reconciliation. Massive infrastructural development across the country. A leadership style defined by tolerance and inclusivity—qualities that have made him one of the most tolerant leaders on the African continent and positioned The Gambia as one of the most peaceful and safest countries in Africa.

These are not opinions. They are facts—visible, measurable, and undeniable.

No amount of rumour-mongering can erase roads built, institutions strengthened, freedoms protected, or peace sustained. The Gambian people are wiser than the opposition assumes. They can distinguish between noise and nation-building.

The truth is simple: when vision fails, rumours rise. But truth, performance, and leadership will always prevail.

POLICE ARREST SUSPECT, SAFELY RECOVER ABDUCTED INFANT

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter
Date: January 26, 2026

The Gambia Police Force has once again demonstrated commendable professionalism and investigative efficiency with the swift arrest of a suspect and the safe recovery of a seven-month-old infant reported missing in Banjul.

The incident occurred on Sunday, January 25, 2026, when a woman travelling from Barra to Banjul boarded a commercial vehicle with her infant. During the journey, the mother briefly entrusted her child to a fellow passenger while she stepped away momentarily. On returning, she discovered that both the passenger and her baby had disappeared.

The case was immediately reported to the Banjul Police Station, prompting rapid police intervention. Officers launched coordinated follow-up operations and issued public alerts, demonstrating a high level of responsiveness and commitment to public safety.

On Monday, January 26, 2026, police successfully apprehended a 17-year-old female suspect at Ebo Town with the missing infant in her possession. The child was recovered unharmed, taken for medical examination as a precautionary measure, and safely reunited with the mother.

The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue in line with due process and child-justice procedures.

This successful operation further reinforces the reputation of the Gambia Police Force as one of the most effective investigative institutions in the world. With better equipment and resources comparable to other international forces, the GP Force would undoubtedly rank among the very best globally.

The Police have commended members of the public for their vigilance and cooperation, while reassuring citizens of their unwavering commitment to child protection and public security. Parents and guardians are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution when travelling with children, particularly in public transport and crowded places.

The public is urged to immediately report any suspicious behaviour involving children to the nearest police station or by calling 9968885.

Editorial Note:
Members of the public are encouraged to remain security-conscious at all times, especially regarding the safety of infants and young children. It is increasingly common to see children left unattended on streets or sent on errands alone, a practice that no longer aligns with present-day security realities. Times have changed, and the safety of children now requires greater responsibility, alertness, and collective vigilance from all.

UDP’s Official Photo Directive: A Dangerous Assault on Media Freedom

The recent directive purportedly issued by the United Democratic Party (UDP), instructing media houses to use only officially sanctioned photographs of its National Executive in all reports and publications, is deeply troubling, profoundly undemocratic, and dangerously authoritarian in spirit.

At its core, this move raises a fundamental question: what happens to press freedom when a political party begins to dictate editorial choices? What becomes of media liberty when politicians attempt to control not only narratives but images?

This is not a minor administrative request. It is a direct intrusion into editorial independence, a cornerstone of democratic media practice. In any functioning democracy, media houses reserve the right to select images, headlines, framing, and presentation—guided by professional ethics, not party instructions. Once political actors begin to issue “orders” to the press, democracy itself begins to suffocate.

Yes, governments and political parties may advocate for ethical reporting. Yes, media laws exist to regulate excesses. But these laws are deliberately designed to be self-regulating, enforced through independent institutions—not through party circulars and threats of compliance. When regulation shifts from independent oversight to political control, it ceases to be regulation and becomes sanctioning—100 percent.

What the UDP appears to be saying is simple and alarming: the media is not at liberty to decide for itself. That position is incompatible with democratic governance.

Even more concerning is the selective nature of this so-called “official photo album.” The conspicuous exclusion of Lord Mayoress Rohey Malick Lowe—while photos of other executive members, including Local Government Chairman Yankuba Darboe of the West Coast and Chairman Landing B. Sanneh of LRR, are prominently displayed—raises uncomfortable questions.

Is this an innocent oversight, or a deliberate political signal?

In a party that claims to uphold fairness, inclusivity, and democratic values, such selective visibility undermines internal democracy and fuels suspicion of political intolerance. When a party controls images, it controls relevance. And when it controls relevance, it controls power.

This incident reflects a broader and more dangerous trend: the gradual normalization of political hostility toward independent media. Today it is photos. Tomorrow it may be language. Next, it may be outright censorship disguised as “guidelines.”

The UDP must be reminded—firmly—that media freedom is not granted by political parties. It is a constitutional right, earned through struggle and protected by democratic norms. Any attempt, subtle or overt, to suppress or intimidate the press betrays those norms.

If the UDP believes in democratic governance, it must immediately clarify or withdraw this directive. Silence will only confirm the worst fears: that this is not about standardization, but about control.

A party that cannot tolerate independent media scrutiny cannot credibly claim commitment to democracy. And a government that fears free images today may fear free speech tomorrow.

This development is damaging, alarming, and unacceptable. The media must resist it. Civil society must challenge it. And the UDP must answer for it—clearly, publicly, and without evasion.

Democracy demands nothing less.

BARROW CEMENTS LEGACY AS CHAMPION OF WOMEN WITH BOLD ENTERPRISE FUND LAUNCH IN BUNDUNG

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

In a powerful reaffirmation of visionary leadership and people-centred governance, the National People’s Party (NPP), under the decisive direction of President Adama Barrow, on Saturday unveiled the Success Women Enterprise Fund at its Bundung headquarters—an initiative widely hailed as a transformative intervention for women’s economic liberation in The Gambia.

The landmark launch, marked by a massive turnout of party stalwarts, grassroots women leaders, and members of the public, sent a clear message: under President Barrow’s leadership, women are no longer spectators in national development but central drivers of progress.

Formally inaugurating the Fund, President Barrow—Secretary General and Party Leader of the NPP—declared that the era of sidelining women through financial exclusion is steadily coming to an end. He described the initiative as a deliberate and strategic response to years of economic marginalisation faced by hardworking Gambian women.

Across the country, he noted, women have long carried the burden of sustaining families and communities, yet were denied access to the capital needed to turn effort into prosperity. The Success Women Enterprise Fund, President Barrow emphasized, is designed to break that cycle by providing interest-free financing, business skills support, and real economic opportunities, particularly for women at the grassroots.

He stressed that empowering women is not charity, but smart governance—arguing that nations rise when women are economically strong, families are stable, and communities are productive. According to him, any serious development agenda must place women at its core.

The presence of Vice President Muhammed B.S. Jallow and First Lady Sarjo Mballow Barrow at the event further underscored the administration’s united and unwavering commitment to women-focused policies that deliver tangible results.

Also delivering strong remarks was Hon. Musa Drammeh, Minister and National President of the NPP, who described the Fund as further evidence that the NPP is a party of action, not empty promises. He noted that while others speak of empowerment, the Barrow-led NPP continues to implement practical solutions that uplift ordinary citizens.

Party officials were emphatic that the Success Women Enterprise Fund is not an isolated gesture, but part of a broader, deliberate national strategy to entrench self-reliance, inclusive economic growth, and sustainable development. They reiterated that women empowerment under the NPP is a policy priority, not a slogan.

As The Gambia continues its path toward stability and progress, the National People’s Party reaffirmed its commitment to peace, unity, good governance, and people-driven development—anchored by the belief that empowering women and strengthening grassroots participation remain the surest path to lasting national transformation.

DLEAG Airport Command Arrests Gambian With 37 Blocks of Suspected Cocaine

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

Operatives of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) stationed at the Banjul International Airport have arrested a 31-year-old Gambian national, Mr. Alieu Jeng of Nema Kunku, in connection with suspected drug trafficking.

The arrest took place on Friday, January 16, 2026, at about 20:00 hours, when officers intercepted the suspect while he was heading to the airside area of the airport to offload cargo. Acting on reasonable suspicion, DLEAG operatives conducted a search of the tractor under his control.

During the search, officers discovered 37 blocks of suspected cocaine concealed in two black suitcases and a school bag. Mr. Jeng was later identified as an employee of the NIRO Company.

The suspect is currently in DLEAG custody as investigations into the matter continue.

In a statement, the management of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in The Gambia. The Agency also called on the public to continue supporting and collaborating with law enforcement authorities in the fight against drugs.

“Joshua Mendy’s Empty Rhetoric: Loud Claims, Zero Evidence Against President Barrow”

By Yaya Dampha

NPP Diaspora Coordinator

Joshua Mendy’s attack on President Adama Barrow is not only misleading but intellectually hollow. Labeling the President as “incompetent and clueless” without a shred of evidence exposes the weakness of his argument and the poverty of his political reasoning.

Serious political commentary requires facts, data, and policy comparisons — not loud declarations designed to excite social-media echo chambers. Mr. Mendy’s prediction that Gambians will vote President Barrow out in December 2026 is unsupported by any credible poll, survey, or empirical research. It is nothing more than wishful thinking disguised as analysis.

President Barrow’s Record vs Empty Rhetoric

Contrary to Mr. Mendy’s claims, President Adama Barrow leads with a clear record of delivery, not slogans.

Under his leadership, The Gambia has:

Restored democracy, rule of law, and civil liberties after 22 years of authoritarian rule.

Reintegrated into the international community, unlocking development financing and restoring global credibility.

Recorded sustained economic growth, improved public finance management, and increased infrastructure investment.

Delivered nationwide road networks, schools, hospitals, electricity, and clean water projects that directly impact citizens’ daily lives.

Expanded access to education, healthcare, women empowerment funds, youth employment programs, and agricultural support.

Established key national reform institutions, including the TRRC, strengthening accountability and reconciliation.

These are measurable outcomes visible across the country — not theoretical promises.

The Myth of Ousainou Darboe’s “Superior Competence”

Joshua Mendy presents Lawyer Ousainou Darboe as a credible alternative based almost entirely on longevity in politics. But time spent in politics is not the same as achievement in governance.

In truth, the only clear constitutional or administrative achievement Darboe can legitimately boast of while in government was the scrapping of the 65-year age limit, a constitutional provision that prevented him from becoming Vice President and contesting for president. That amendment served personal political ambition, not national transformation.

Equally revealing is the hypocrisy surrounding electoral reform. The UDP loudly demanded electoral reforms during Yahya Jammeh’s dictatorship, yet failed to implement those same reforms when they controlled the National Assembly after 2017. Why? Because they were illusionally confident they would win the 2021 election without reforming the system. That arrogance cost them politically — and exposed a lack of strategic foresight.

During Darboe’s tenure as Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gambians saw no landmark policy reforms, no transformative diplomatic achievements, and no development breakthroughs that justify portraying him as a superior governing alternative.

Gambians Are More Informed Than Mendy Thinks

The Gambian electorate is not naïve. Voters no longer buy political mythology or recycled opposition talking points. They judge leadership by results — roads built, services delivered, freedoms protected, and opportunities created.

President Barrow’s support is grounded in performance and national reach, not nostalgia or personality cults. The NPP remains the most nationally rooted political movement in the country, drawing support across regions, ethnicities, and generations.

Conclusion

Joshua Mendy’s commentary reflects political bias, not serious analysis. If he believes President Barrow lacks leadership or vision, he must present facts, comparative data, and policy evidence — not insults and speculative election outcomes.

The 2026 election will not be decided on Facebook noise or recycled opposition arrogance. It will be decided by Gambians comparing delivery against failure, governance against guesswork, and proven leadership against political entitlement.

President Adama Barrow has a record. His critics have rhetoric. Gambians will decide accordingly.