Political Survivors Disguised as Patriots: The APEX Illusion Exposed

Written by Yaya Dampha, NPP Diaspora Coordinator

Demba Ali Jawo and the APEX Initiative have neither the moral authority nor the credibility to lecture Gambians about opposition unity or the so-called “untenable situation” of the country. An organisation built on shaky foundations and led by individuals with questionable records cannot convince anyone—let alone unite a serious political opposition.

Let us start with credibility.

Demba Ali Jawo often presents himself as a victim of dictatorship and a champion of press freedom. The truth is far more nuanced. Yes, he was a senior member of the Gambia Press Union, but unlike many journalists who were hunted relentlessly, jailed, tortured, or permanently exiled, Jawo was going in and out of The Gambia. Many of us had no such luxury. Others paid with their lives, careers, and families. History should be told honestly, not selectively.

Now let us talk about performance, not rhetoric.

When Demba Ali Jawo was appointed Minister of Information, hopes were genuinely high. Gambians expected bold reforms—especially the removal of draconian media laws that we all fought against during the dictatorship. That was the collective cry of journalists, activists, and civil society.

What happened instead?

The draconian media laws remained firmly in the Constitution.

No meaningful legislative reform was initiated or completed.

No clear policy direction was set to professionalize or sanitize the media space.

Ironically, it was during Jawo’s tenure that the media environment deteriorated the most—marked by:

The rise of unprofessional and unethical media outlets

Rampant misinformation and propaganda

A toxic, unregulated broadcasting culture

Until his removal, Demba Ali Jawo cannot point to a single enduring achievement that elevated journalism, strengthened ethics, or restored professionalism in Gambian media. That failure is part of the legacy he is now trying to erase with political commentary.

And let us be very clear on one crucial point:

If President Adama Barrow were the authoritarian figure Jawo and his allies try to paint him as, those same draconian media laws would already be in full force. The fact that President Barrow has not weaponized those laws—despite relentless provocation, misinformation, and abuse—speaks volumes about his democratic restraint and commitment to freedoms.

Now to APEX itself.

APEX is not struggling because opposition parties are stubborn.

APEX is struggling because it is led by political failures whose relevance depends on President Barrow losing power.

These are individuals who:

Failed in office

Failed to reform systems they once controlled

Failed to earn sustained public trust.

Their sudden concern about “national interest” rings hollow. Gambians can clearly see that their political and social relevance ends if President Adama Barrow wins the 2026 election—which, by all indications, he is well-positioned to do.

The irony is painful.

Jawo accuses President Barrow of being surrounded by people focused on survival. Yet it is precisely Jawo and his cohorts who are fighting for political survival—repackaged as “unity,” sold as “patriotism,” but driven by self-interest.

Finally, let us talk about results, because politics is not a debating society.

The Gambian people are wiser than APEX assumes. They vote based on lived reality, not studio talk shows.

Under President Adama Barrow and the NPP government, Gambians have seen:

Massive infrastructural development across the country

Strengthened democratic space and institutional support

Policy reforms and stability

Improved public service salaries, income, and job security

A peaceful political environment unmatched in our recent history

These are tangible achievements, not theoretical grievances.

That is why no amount of noise from APEX will rewrite reality.

That is why Gambians will decide for themselves—not because they are forced, but because they know what is good for them.

Unity cannot be built on bitterness.

Leadership cannot be claimed without results.

And credibility cannot be borrowed from a past that was never fully delivered.

APEX does not lack unity—it lacks trust.

GRA Showcases Visionary Leadership and Digital Transformation at IMF Regional Forum

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has once again affirmed its growing stature as a regional pacesetter in modern revenue administration, as its top leadership participated in the Second IMF–AFRITAC West 2 Regional Leadership Forum, bringing together Commissioners General and senior tax administrators from Anglophone West Africa and Cape Verde.
At the heart of GRA’s strong presence at the high-level forum was the visionary leadership of Commissioner General, Mr. Yankuba Darboe, whose transformative agenda continues to reposition the Authority as a modern, efficient, and fully digitalized revenue institution. He was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner General and Head of Domestic Taxes, Mr. Essa Jallow, and the Director of Technical Services, Mr. Yahya Manneh—a senior management team widely credited for driving institutional reforms and embedding innovation across the Authority.

The forum, officially opened by Sierra Leone’s Honourable Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, also attracted senior representatives from the IMF, the European Union, and the AFRITAC West 2 Centre, underscoring the strategic importance of the gathering in shaping the future of tax administration in the region.
Discussions focused on critical leadership and reform themes, including ethical and adaptive leadership, effective decision-making, managing political interference, performance management, and translating bold vision into measurable impact. These themes resonate strongly with the reform trajectory championed by Commissioner General Darboe and his management team, who have consistently prioritized results-driven leadership and institutional modernization.
A major highlight of the forum was GRA’s presentation on “Navigating Political Challenges in Reform Implementation and Revenue Administration.” The Authority showcased practical, homegrown solutions that reflect its forward-looking strategy, including the successful implementation of ASYCUDA World, the rollout of Digital Tax Stamps on excisable goods, the Revenue Assurance System for Mobile Network Operators, and the Rental Tax Compliance System. These initiatives stand as clear evidence of GRA’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance transparency, efficiency, and domestic revenue mobilization.
Observers at the forum noted that GRA’s experiences demonstrated how strong leadership, backed by a cohesive senior management team, can overcome political and operational challenges while sustaining reform momentum. The Authority’s journey toward becoming a fully digital revenue institution was widely acknowledged as a model for peer administrations in the AFRITAC West 2 region.
Beyond sharing its own success story, GRA’s delegation also engaged with counterparts to learn from regional best practices, further strengthening the Authority’s reform agenda under the steady guidance of Commissioner General Darboe.
As The Gambia accelerates its national development ambitions, the performance of the GRA under its current leadership continues to inspire confidence. Through visionary direction, strategic innovation, and an unwavering commitment to modernization, the GRA is not only uplifting its institutional capacity but also reinforcing The Gambia’s position as a leader in revenue administration across West Africa.

Sheikh Dr. Kemo Saidy Khan Successfully Defends PhD Thesis

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

Sheikh Alhagie Kemo Saidykhan, a distinguished son of Jarra Kani Kunda and a descendant of the renowned Islamic scholar Mamma Yero Saidykhan—whose legacy greatly contributed to the spread of Islamic teachings in The Gambia—has successfully defended his doctoral thesis and has been officially confirmed as a PhD holder.

The thesis, titled “The Impact of False Religions on Qadiani (Ahmadiyya) Beliefs: A Descriptive and Critical Study,” was rigorously examined and unanimously approved by the academic panel.

Following the successful defense, Sheikh Dr. Kemo Saidy Khan was awarded the Al-‘Alamiyyah (Doctorate) degree with an Excellent grade and First Class Honours, marking a significant milestone in his scholarly and religious journey.

The defense took place on 17th Sha‘ban 1447 AH, corresponding to 5th February 2026.

Family members, scholars, and well-wishers have expressed joy at this achievement and have called for continued prayers for Sheikh Dr. Kemo Saidy Khan’s guidance, success, and service to Islamic knowledge and the wider community.

Darboe’s Vision Elevates GRA as Regional Tax Reform Powerhouse at IMF Forum

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter, 2026

The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), under the decisive and forward-looking leadership of Commissioner General Mr. Yankuba Darboe, has once again positioned itself as a leading force in regional tax administration, following its high-profile participation at the Second International Monetary Fund (IMF)–AFRITAC West 2 Regional Leadership Forum held from 2nd to 6th February 2026.

The prestigious forum brought together Commissioners General and senior revenue administrators from Anglophone West Africa and Cape Verde to confront critical leadership and reform challenges shaping the future of revenue mobilization across the region.

Leading The Gambia’s delegation was Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe, whose reform-driven stewardship has transformed the GRA into one of the most dynamic and respected revenue administrations in West Africa. He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner General and Head of Domestic Taxes Mr. Essa Jallow, and Director of Technical Services Mr. Yahya Manneh, reflecting the depth and strength of the Authority’s senior leadership team.

The forum was officially opened by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Hon. Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, with strong representation from the IMF, European Union, and the AFRITAC West 2 Center—further underscoring the significance of the gathering.

Discussions focused on high-impact themes essential to modern revenue administration, including ethical leadership, effective decision-making, managing political interference, delivering successful reforms, stakeholder management, and translating vision into measurable results. These themes closely mirror the reform agenda already being vigorously pursued at the GRA under Darboe’s leadership.

A major highlight of the forum was the GRA’s presentation on “Navigating Political Challenges in Reform Implementation and Revenue Administration.” Drawing from real-world experience, the presentation showcased The Gambia’s bold and innovative reforms, many of which have been personally championed by Commissioner General Darboe.

Among the standout initiatives were the successful implementation of ASYCUDA World, the rollout of Digital Tax Stamps on excisable goods, the Revenue Assurance System for Mobile Network Operators, and the Rental Tax Compliance System—all reforms that have strengthened transparency, improved compliance, and significantly boosted domestic revenue mobilization.

These achievements were widely acknowledged as practical examples of how strong, principled leadership can overcome political and operational challenges while delivering tangible national benefits.

The forum also provided an invaluable opportunity for the GRA’s Senior Management Team to exchange ideas and learn from peer administrations, further enhancing the Authority’s reform momentum.

With Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe at the helm, the GRA continues to set benchmarks in integrity, innovation, and results-driven leadership—earning The Gambia growing respect as a model for revenue administration reform across the West African sub-region.

TRIAL BY MEDIA IS NOT ACCOUNTABILITY: A DEFENCE OF DUE PROCESS AND THE RULE OF LAW

By Yaya Dampha

NPP Diaspora Coordinator – Sweden

The recent statement issued by Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) concerning Police Prosecutor Almameh S. Manga raises grave concerns—not because it demands accountability, but because it fundamentally misunderstands and undermines the very principles of law, justice, and democracy it claims to champion.

Let us be clear from the outset: allegations are not facts. In any democracy governed by the rule of law, allegations—whether amplified by social media, civil society groups, or political actors—do not amount to misconduct unless and until they are proven through lawful processes. This principle is neither negotiable nor outdated; it is the foundation upon which justice systems stand.

Presumption of Innocence Is Non-Negotiable

The Gambian Constitution, like all democratic legal orders, guarantees the presumption of innocence. This protection does not evaporate because the accused is a public officer. On the contrary, it exists precisely to shield citizens and officials alike from mob justice, reputational lynching, and politically motivated persecution.

GALA’s statement dangerously advances the idea that a public officer can be condemned, suspended, or pressured out of office based on “ethical concerns” that have not been established by any court, tribunal, or competent oversight body. That position is legally flawed and democratically reckless.

Ethical breaches, conflicts of interest, or administrative misconduct—if they exist—must be determined by institutions with jurisdiction, following due process, evidence, and fair hearing. They cannot be declared by press statements or advocacy campaigns.

Accountability Requires Law, Not Loudness

GALA argues that anti-corruption is not assessed solely by criminal culpability. While this is superficially true, it is legally incomplete and misleading. Even non-criminal misconduct must be proven, not presumed. Ethics are enforced through rules and procedures, not suspicion and activism.

Calling for “temporary administrative measures” against an officer without any established finding of wrongdoing is, in effect, punitive action disguised as institutional protection. Courts across democratic jurisdictions have consistently held that administrative actions affecting a person’s career or reputation must be reasonable, proportionate, evidence-based, and lawful. Anything else is arbitrary.

Democracy Rejects Trial by Media

Gambia’s painful history under authoritarian rule should have taught us a vital lesson: justice must be institutional, not emotional. Replacing executive tyranny with civil society intimidation is not democratic progress—it is regression.

If those making allegations against Mr Manga genuinely believe that:

A crime has been committed, they should go to court.

A disciplinary breach has occurred, they should petition the appropriate authority.

A conflict of interest exists, they should prove it within the framework of the law.

What must never be accepted is the idea that social media outrage or politically connected civil society pressure can substitute for judicial or administrative findings.

A Question of Credibility

Gambians must also be mindful of recent history. These are the same voices that once accused former Lead Counsel Amie Bensouda of being centrally involved in the looting of Yahya Jammeh’s assets—allegations that were later thoroughly examined and decisively rejected by a parliamentary commission.

No apology followed. No accountability for misleading the public.

Today, the same tactics appear to be directed at a young public officer, one without political insulation. This pattern raises serious concerns about selective outrage and agenda-driven activism, rather than principled accountability.

Defending Institutions Means Defending Their Rules

True institutional integrity is not achieved by sacrificing individuals to public pressure. It is achieved by upholding due process, respecting jurisdiction, and resisting populist shortcuts.

As things stand, Almameh S. Manga has not been convicted, indicted, or disciplined by any competent authority. Until such time as lawful processes determine otherwise, he remains innocent in law and entitled to full constitutional protection.

Conclusion

Accountability without due process is not reform—it is injustice.

Ethics without evidence is not governance—it is intimidation.

Democracy without the presumption of innocence is not democracy at all.

If GALA truly believes in the rule of law, it must submit its claims to the law, not attempt to replace it.

The young officer deserves justice, not scapegoating.

The nation deserves courts, not campaigns.

GRA Announces Customs and Excise Agents Licence Renewal for 2026

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has issued a public notice calling on all Customs and Excise Agents to apply for the renewal of their operating licences for the year 2026.

According to the notice dated 4th February 2026, the directive is issued pursuant to Section 217 of the Customs and Excise Act 2010 and Regulation 290(1) of the Customs and Excise Regulations 2012. The Commissioner General has urged all agents concerned to submit their renewal applications on or before 31st March 2026, stressing that applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

The GRA outlined several conditions that applicants must meet. These include the payment of a non-refundable application fee of D5,000 for new applicants and a non-refundable renewal fee of D2,000. Applicants must be of Gambian nationality, conversant with customs laws and regulations, and must operate from a registered place of business.

Additionally, applicants are required to present a valid tax clearance certificate issued by the Gambia Revenue Authority and provide security in the form of a bank guarantee worth D1,000,000 or landed property of equivalent value within the Greater Banjul Area. Applicants must also be of good standing with no prior criminal convictions.

Upon approval of an application, successful applicants will be required to pay a licence fee of D15,000, furnish a bond using Form CB.11 or make a cash deposit as determined by the Commissioner General, which shall not be less than D250,000. Agents may also be required to submit a tariff of service charges for approval and must present a letter of appointment from the owner of goods before clearing any consignment.

The Authority warned that continuing to operate as a Customs and Excise Agent without renewing a licence constitutes an offence under the Customs and Excise Act 2010.

For further information, the public is advised to visit the GRA website at www.gra.gm or contact the Authority via info@gra.gm.