A RESPONSE TO BABAGALLEH JALLOW: LAW IS NOT OPTIONAL, MORALITY IS NOT SELECTIVE

Babagalleh Jallow as the NPP Diaspora Coordinator and a founding member of the party who is supporting His Excellency President Adama Barrow’s bid to contest the 2026 Presidential Election its duty- binding to respond to your morally selective advice to President Adama Barrow.

Your recent open letter to His Excellency President Adama Barrow is neither neutral advice nor principled statesmanship. It is a carefully packaged political opinion masquerading as moral authority, and it collapses under the weight of its own contradictions—legal, logical, and ethical.

You boldly declare that President Barrow’s bid for the 2026 Presidential Election is “legally right but morally wrong.” That single sentence exposes the fundamental weakness of your argument: you seek to elevate your personal moral judgment above the supreme law of The Gambia, while conveniently excusing yourself from the same moral standard you demand of others.

Let us start with the law, because in a constitutional democracy, law is not a suggestion—it is the foundation.

Let's base our argument on the point law i mean the Constitution of The Gambia on this matter and later i will talk about morality and your very track records.

 The Constitution Is Supreme, Not Personal Morality

And it says 

Section 4 of the 1997 Constitution is unequivocal: the Constitution is the supreme law of The Gambia.

 There is no constitutional provision that bars President Adama Barrow from contesting the 2026 election. None. Zero.

In law, what is not prohibited is permitted. That is the essence of legality. To argue otherwise is to invite rule by personal conscience instead of rule of law, a dangerous doctrine that Africa knows too well.

If moral opinion were sufficient to override constitutional rights, then no elected office would ever be secure, and elections would be governed by who shouts “morality” the loudest.

 You Cannot Weaponize Morality Selectively

You insist President Barrow must abandon his constitutional right in the name of morality. Yet when you yourself were confronted with a moral duty, you chose legality over morality.

President Barrow trusted you and appointed you Executive Secretary of the TRRC—a body tasked with one of the most sensitive national assignments in our history: truth, justice, and reconciliation.

You resigned before the completion of the TRRC’s work to pursue personal interests.

Yes, you resigned legally.

 But was it morally right?

Did you pause to consider:

the moral obligation to victims?

the institutional disruption your departure caused?

the national interest in continuity and closure?

You did not.

You relied on the law, not morality, to justify your decision.

So we must ask plainly:

When it was about you, legality was enough.

When it is about President Barrow, legality is suddenly insufficient.

Is that fairness?

 Is that consistency?

 Is that moral integrity?

 Moral Obligation Cannot Be Invented After the Fact

You repeatedly invoke “promises,” “expectations,” and “moral duties” allegedly owed by President Barrow. But in constitutional governance, political promises do not override constitutional text.

Coalition agreements are political instruments, not superior law.

 Campaign assurances are not constitutional amendments.

 Moral expectations do not extinguish legal rights.

If they did, then every president would be bound forever by the shifting interpretations of past supporters—even when the legal framework remains unchanged.

That is not democracy. That is political blackmail.

Comparing Barrow to Jammeh Is Intellectually Dishonest

You invoke Yahya Jammeh to frighten the public. This is deeply irresponsible.

Jammeh abused power illegally, manipulated the Constitution, ruled by decree, jailed and killed citizens, and rejected electoral defeat.

President Barrow:

operates under constitutional limits,

submits to elections,

respects court decisions,

and governs in an open political environment.

To suggest that exercising a clear constitutional right is the first step toward dictatorship is not caution—it is fear-mongering.

.Democracy Is About Choice, Not Moral Gatekeeping 

The Gambian people are not children who need political elites to decide who may or may not contest elections.

If President Barrow is unworthy, vote him out.

 If Gambians believe he deserves another term, that is their sovereign right.

Democracy does not mean limiting choices to satisfy the moral comfort of former officials who can no longer command public support.

The Real Issue: Politics, Not Morality

Let us be honest.

Many who suddenly oppose President Barrow’s candidacy are:

former insiders who lost influence,

failed aspirants who cannot win elections,

and self-appointed moral arbiters who cannot persuade voters.

Unable to defeat him at the ballot box, they now seek to disqualify him through moral arguments that have no legal standing.

That is not patriotism. That is political expediency.

Final Question to You, Babagalleh Jallow

You ask President Barrow to sacrifice his legal right for morality.

So we ask you:

Were you morally right to abandon the TRRC before its work was completed?

Were you fair to President Barrow who trusted you?

Were you fair to the Gambian people who expected continuity and closure?

Morality that is selective is not morality.

 Principle that bends for self-interest is not principle.

President Adama Barrow’s bid for 2026 is constitutional, lawful, democratic, and legitimate. The rest is opinion—yours included.

And in a democracy, opinions do not override the Constitution.

Yaya Dampha NPP Diaspora Coordinator 

A Response to Ousainou Darboe: Law, Facts, and Responsibility Over Reckless Rhetoric

By Yaya Dampha NPP Diaspora Coordinator Sweden 

Hon. Ousainou Darboe’s recent statement in Essau exposes not strength, but desperation. Poor attendance on the UDP’s so-called nationwide tour appears to be weighing heavily on its leadership, and instead of sober reflection, the party has once again resorted to inflammatory rhetoric, fear-mongering, and veiled threats of confrontation. Gambian youths are awake now. This is not 1996, not 2016, and certainly not an era where young people will die for anyone’s personal lust for the presidency.

Let us speak plainly—and factually.

 The Law Is Clear: No Third Term Exists Under the 1997 Constitution

President Adama Barrow is serving his first term under the 1997 Constitution, elected in 2021. The 2016–2021 transition period was explicitly recognized as a transitional mandate, not governed by term limits under the current constitutional order. This is not opinion; it is constitutional fact. Until a new constitution is adopted and applied retroactively—which the UDP itself failed to deliver while controlling key state institutions—the two-term limit under the 1997 Constitution does not bar President Barrow from contesting in 2026.

Political arguments cannot override constitutional law.

UDP’s Selective Amnesia on Promises and Failures

It is deeply ironic for UDP leaders to accuse others of broken promises when:

The UDP failed to deliver a new constitution despite controlling the National Assembly.

The party walked away from national consensus and compromise.

UDP leadership prioritized party dominance over constitutional reform.

Promises do not become law simply because they are repeated at political rallies.

 A Dangerous History the UDP Refuses to Confront

Before lecturing the nation on accountability, Hon. Darboe must answer serious moral questions:

How many lives were cut short during moments of political unrest fueled by confrontational opposition politics?

How many Gambians were jailed, intimidated, or dragged into prolonged legal battles because of UDP-led political brinkmanship?

How many women were widowed, and how many children orphaned, because politics was turned into a do-or-die struggle for State House?

These are not rhetorical flourishes; they are real consequences of reckless leadership. Gambians remember April 2000. Gambians remember violent protests. Gambians remember the cost.

.No One Has a Monopoly on Democracy

The UDP does not own democracy, does not interpret the constitution alone, and does not decide who may or may not contest elections. Democracy is upheld through institutions, courts, laws, and ballots, not street pressure or threats of “action” outside legal frameworks.

Any call that hints at unrest or confrontation is not democratic—it is irresponsible.

 The Youth Are No Longer Tools

Gambian youths today are educated, aware, and politically mature. They are demanding jobs, development, stability, and peace—not recycled slogans and political intimidation. No sensible youth will sacrifice their life so that one man or one party can fulfill an endless ambition for power.

Leadership means restraint. Leadership means respect for the law. Leadership means putting country above self.

. 2026 Will Be Decided by Ballots, Not Bullets

If the UDP believes it has the people, then the path is simple: campaign peacefully, present policies, and face the electorate. But attempts to delegitimize constitutional processes or incite public anger will fail. Gambians want peace, continuity, and lawful governance—not chaos disguised as activism.

Conclusion

Hon. Darboe should pause, reflect, and recalibrate. Politics should not be driven by frustration over empty grounds and fading influence. The Gambia has suffered too much to return to politics of anger, threats, and division.

The law will prevail. The people will decide. And the future of The Gambia will not be hostage to any individual’s ambition—no matter how loud their voice at a rally.

Enough is enough.

PARLIAMENTARIAN OF THE YEAR – AWARD CITATION Honouring Maimuna Ceesay Darboe

PARLIAMENTARIAN OF THE YEAR – AWARD CITATION

Honouring Maimuna Ceesay Darboe

Today, we celebrate a leader whose service exemplifies integrity, courage, and results-driven representation. This Parliamentarian of the Year Award is proudly bestowed upon Honourable Maimuna Ceesay Darboe, a public servant whose record stands as a benchmark for accountability, effective leadership, and unwavering commitment to the people.

Honourable Maimuna Ceesay Darboe has distinguished herself as a parliamentarian who does not merely speak for the people, but delivers for them. According to National Audit Reports, her stewardship of the Constituency Development Fund has been exemplary—judiciously managed, transparently applied, and faithfully delivered to meet the real needs of her constituents. In an era where public trust is earned through action, her constituency stands as living proof of responsible governance.

Within the National Assembly, Honourable Maimuna is respected as a vocal, principled, and fearless advocate. She contributes meaningfully to debates, raises issues of national importance, and upholds the values of accountability and justice. Her voice is not only heard—it is heeded.

Beyond national borders, her leadership resonates at the regional level. As a distinguished member of the ECOWAS Parliament, Honourable Maimuna has earned recognition for her competence and diplomacy, culminating in her recent election as Committee Secretary—a testament to the confidence her peers place in her capacity to lead, organize, and deliver results on a regional stage.

Within the National People’s Party (NPP), Honourable Maimuna Ceesay Darboe remains a formidable political force—assertive, principled, and steadfast. As NPP Diaspora Secretary, she has demonstrated exceptional organizational leadership and dedication. Under her guidance, the NPP Diaspora achieved an unprecedented milestone, mobilizing and raising over 24 million Gambian Dalasis in support of the party’s campaign during the historic gathering in Bañola, Spain. This achievement stands as a powerful symbol of unity, trust, and effective leadership.

Honourable Maimuna’s journey is defined by service anchored in faith, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility. She leads with conviction, serves with humility, and delivers with excellence—making her not only deserving of this honour, but a role model for present and future generations of leaders.

Anti-Crime Command Decorates Newly Promoted Officers

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter, Banjul

The Anti-Crime Command of the Gambia Police Force on Friday held a decoration ceremony for newly promoted officers at the Anti-Crime Complex in Brufut, in a move aimed at recognising excellence, boosting morale, and reinforcing professionalism within the Force.

Twenty-five (25) officers, recently elevated to ranks ranging from Sergeant to Assistant Superintendent of Police, were formally decorated during the ceremony, which was attended by senior police officers, family members, and well-wishers.

Speaking on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Operations, AIG Pateh Jallow, congratulated the officers on their promotions. He reminded them that higher rank comes with greater responsibility, increased leadership expectations, and heightened accountability to the public. He urged the officers to continue upholding discipline, integrity, and operational efficiency in the execution of their duties.

The Gambia Police Force called on all personnel to emulate the dedication, professionalism, and commitment demonstrated by the newly promoted officers. The Anti-Crime Command also commended the Police leadership for sustaining a merit-based promotion system, describing it as vital for motivation, institutional discipline, and strengthening public trust in the Police.

Response in Support of the NPP, Hon. Demba Sabally

A concern Citizen

 In a recent social media publication the United Democratic Party leader Ousainu Darboe while addressing market vendors warned the Inspector General of Police on what he calls selective justice.   It's not only unfair to let that statement slides under the drain but also duty bound to set the records straight.  Because Mr. Darbo was misleading the public as usual. 

While Mr. Darboe has every right to express his political concerns, it is important to remain truthful and fair when discussing issues of security, justice, and public responsibility. The attempt to equate Hon. Demba Sabally’s political remark with the explicit incitement issued by Borry Touray is misleading and ignores the fundamental difference between political rhetoric and a direct call to violent action.

Hon. Demba Sabally’s statement—interpreted by many as emphasizing the seriousness and commitment required to secure electoral victory—did not instruct anyone to kill, riot, or sacrifice their lives. Political figures around the world often use strong language to motivate their supporters, and while such expressions may be passionate, they do not automatically translate into a call for violence.

Borry Touray’s own public comments, however, crossed a very clear line.

He directly urged Gambian youths to take to the streets and riot like their Senegalese counterparts, even telling them to be ready to die. That is not political enthusiasm; it is incitement to violence. It is a call for unlawful actions that endanger lives, property, and national stability.

These two situations are not the same and should not be treated as such. The law rightly distinguishes between:

Political statements, even if emotional or provocative, and

Explicit calls for civil unrest and violence, which are criminal.

As for Mamma Jabbie or any other citizen—UDP, NPP, or otherwise—who may be accused of vulgar language or personal insults, the law already provides a clear path:

any affected individual has the right to pursue civil action in court.

This is how a democracy functions. It is not the job of the IGP to arrest citizens for political disagreements or social media banter unless the law has clearly been violated.

The claim that the IGP is selectively protecting NPP supporters is both unfair and unfounded. The police are dealing with an actual case of incitement to violence—not ordinary political rhetoric.

As we head toward 2026, Gambians should reject attempts to create false equivalencies.

The NPP continues to promote stability and lawful political engagement.

The government remains committed to peace and democratic process.

No political leader should encourage unrest or put the lives of young people at risk for political gain.

The country deserves a calm, factual, and responsible political environment—one where passion does not spill into recklessness, and where criticism does not distort the truth.

COMMENDATION TO HONOURABLE MAIMUNA CEESAY DARBOE

COMMENDATION TO HONOURABLE MAIMUNA CEESAY DARBOE

On Her Nomination for the National Achievement Award – Gambia (NAAG 2025)

It is with profound pride, admiration, and national gratitude that we commend Honourable Maimuna Ceesay Darboe on her well-deserved nomination for the Personality and Recognition Award under the National Achievement Award – Gambia (NAAG 2025).

This prestigious recognition stands as a powerful testament to your unwavering commitment to public service, your courage in leadership, and your unshakeable loyalty to the people you serve. You have distinguished yourself not merely as a National Assembly Member, but as a true servant-leader whose actions consistently place the welfare of your constituents above all else.

Honourable Maimuna Ceesay Darboe remains a rare symbol of integrity and accountability. At a time when public trust is sacred and leadership is measured by action, you have emerged as a shining example. The full and transparent delivery of constituency funds to the people is evidence of your sincerity, responsibility, and refusal to compromise on the trust placed in you.

Your voice in the National Assembly is one of courage. You stand firm where others hesitate. You speak boldly where silence would be convenient. You defend your people where others withdraw. Your leadership is anchored in purpose, and your loyalty is not to power, but to the people.

The nomination by AWOL-Gambia affirms what your community, colleagues, and nation already know:

That your dedication to nation-building, your representation of Gambian values, and your contribution to national development are worthy of honour and celebration.

This recognition is not just an award — it is a national salute.

May this milestone inspire even greater heights of service, and may your legacy continue to be one of honour, justice, and impact. The Gambia celebrates you. Your people are proud of you. History will remember you.

Congratulations, Honourable Maimuna Ceesay Darboe —

A leader of the people, a voice for the people, and a champion of the nation.