A Reality Check for Political Daydreams Ahead of December

By Yaya Dampha,

NPP Diaspora Coordinator

Lamin J. Darboe, like any political actor, is entitled to optimism. However, optimism must be anchored in political reality. Elections are not won through wishful thinking, social media enthusiasm, or carefully staged television interviews on platforms such as Kerr Fatou. They are won through deep-rooted party structures, tested grassroots support, nationwide presence, and proven leadership—elements that cannot be improvised a few months before a presidential election.

The suggestion that a loose coalition of three to five political groups—most of which secured less than three percent in previous elections, while others are not even legally registered political parties—can defeat the ruling National People’s Party is not strategic analysis. It is political illusion.

Politics in The Gambia is not conducted on social media timelines. It is built village by village, ward by ward, and region by region—from Basse to Banjul, from the provinces to the Greater Banjul Area. Any political organization that lacks functional structures beyond the immediate circle of its leadership cannot suddenly claim national relevance simply because an election is approaching.

There is a fundamental difference between inheriting a party label and building a genuine support base. A skeleton organization—without branches, coordinators, youth and women’s wings, or sustained engagement with communities—cannot transform itself into a viable national force by merely announcing a coalition.

Performance, Not Speculation, Shapes Electoral Outcomes

Unlike speculative alliances, President Adama Barrow and the National People’s Party stand on a clear record of delivery. That record includes:

Nationwide road infrastructure connecting previously neglected communities

Expanded access to electricity and clean water

Improved healthcare and education facilities

Greater macroeconomic stability despite challenging global conditions

Most importantly, peace, stability, and democratic openness unparalleled in recent Gambian history.

Gambians do not need lectures on what development means—they are experiencing it firsthand. They understand peace because they enjoy it daily. They value democracy because they practice it freely, without fear, intimidation, or repression.

For this reason, confidence in President Barrow’s prospects is not arrogance; it is confidence grounded in performance, national acceptance, and political maturity.

2016 Was an Exception, Not a Blueprint

It is also important to confront a persistent misconception: the belief that the conditions of 2016 can simply be recreated.

The Gambia of 2016 and the Gambia of 2026 are fundamentally different—politically, institutionally, and socially. In 2016, Gambians were united by a single, overriding objective: ending authoritarian rule. That election was a rescue mission, not a conventional democratic contest. The coalition of that era was driven by necessity and survival, not by strong party institutions or ideological coherence.

Today, there is no dictatorship to dismantle, no climate of fear, no closed political space. What exists instead is constitutional order, political freedom, and competitive democracy. The emotional and political momentum that defined 2016 does not exist in 2026.

To assume otherwise is to misunderstand history—or to deliberately ignore it.

Coalitions formed out of desperation, composed of parties with minimal grassroots presence and limited electoral credibility, cannot rely on the memory of 2016 to substitute for organization, credibility, and public trust.

Conclusion

Elections are not won by arithmetic coalitions or media soundbites. They are won by people, performance, and presence. The December election will be decided by peace, progress, and proven leadership—and on all these fronts, President Adama Barrow and the National People’s Party remain well ahead.

Dreams are free. Elections, however, must be earned.

Leave Hon. Jammeh Alone NPP IS His Choice Of Party

Check this out.......

By Isatou Conteh

JarranewsTV Staff Reporter 

I see nothing wrong with Honourable Jatto Jammeh joining President Adama Barrow and the National People’s Party (NPP). What I fail to understand is why we sometimes choose division and suffering over progress. Sadly, unity is often mistaken for betrayal. It is time we put politics aside and focus on the bigger picture. Instead of standing together, we turn against one another. Honourable Jammeh has every right to join any political party he believes will help improve the lives of Gambians.

We must remember that we are one Gambia, one people. Our collective dream is to work together to develop our country. Political differences should not divide us. The Gambia needs unity, love, and an end to unnecessary hostility.

To those attacking an innocent man with words, I ask: are you against development and unity, or do you simply lack a clear vision for our country? Every citizen has the constitutional right to support any political party of their choice. Unfortunately, for some, politics has become a form of blind loyalty rather than a means to national progress.

Many people now dislike one another simply because of political affiliation. I am speaking to those who still reason beyond party lines. There was a time when political differences did not overshadow our unity, but those days seem to be fading. Politics has torn families apart and ended friendships. We have reached a point where people no longer speak to one another because of differing political views.

The Gambia has always been known for its peace. Let us not allow politics to destroy the harmony that defines us. We are one people, one Gambia. Togetherness is what makes our country peaceful and admired. Unless you are against unity, let us stand together as one people.

Congratulations to Jatto Jammeh, the independent Member of Parliament for Janjanbureh Constituency, on your decision. May it contribute to unity, development, and progress for our beloved nation.

DEATH ROUTE TO EUROPE BLOCKED: JOINT SECURITY FORCES INTERCEPT 110 WOULD-BE MIGRANTS IN NIGHT FOREST RAID

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

A dramatic late-night joint security operation has foiled a major irregular migration attempt in the West Coast Region, once again exposing the deadly risks associated with the illegal sea route to Europe and reinforcing the firm stance of Gambian security forces against the perilous “Back Way” journey.

In the late hours of Thursday, 12 February 2026, the (GAF) acted on credible intelligence about a large group of suspected migrants hiding in a forested area behind Sanyangha Village. The alert triggered an immediate, coordinated response involving the (SIS), the , and the , including the Police Intervention Unit and General Duty officers.

After assembling at the Bulock Police Post, the joint team moved swiftly into the forest with the support of vigilant local residents. By daybreak, 110 suspected irregular migrants — including women and minors — had been intercepted. A suspected Ivorian smuggling agent was also arrested while loitering in the area under suspicious circumstances.

Preliminary findings indicate that most of the intercepted individuals are foreign nationals from Mali, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea (Conakry), Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, and Mauritania, alongside a small number of Gambians. Investigators confirmed that the group was preparing to embark on an illegal and extremely dangerous journey to Europe by sea — a route widely known for shipwrecks, disappearances, and mass fatalities.

The suspects have been handed over to the Gambia Immigration Department for further screening and legal processing.

A Deadly Gamble

Authorities warned that the so-called “Back Way” is not a shortcut to success but a deadly gamble. Countless young Africans have perished at sea, fallen victim to human traffickers, or endured detention, abuse, and forced labor after surviving the journey.

Security Forces on High Alert

The operation highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-driven, joint security actions and community cooperation. Security agencies have pledged to sustain patrols, dismantle smuggling networks, and tighten surveillance along known migration corridors.

A Strong Message to the Youth

Young people are urged to reject the dangerous illusions sold by smugglers and agents. The promise of Europe often ends in tragedy. Youths are instead encouraged to pursue education, skills training, entrepreneurship, and lawful migration options that preserve life and dignity.

The joint security services reaffirm that protecting lives and national security remains paramount, and that the deadly route to Europe will continue to be blocked.

From Millions to Billions: The Transformational Leadership of Yankuba Darboe at the GRA

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

Over the past decade, the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has undergone one of the most remarkable institutional transformations in the country’s history. At the center of this progress stands Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe, whose visionary leadership has propelled the Authority from collecting millions in revenue to generating billions in tax and customs duties—strengthening The Gambia’s economic foundation like never before.

Under his stewardship, the GRA has not only increased revenue collection significantly but has also modernized the entire tax administration system. Through bold reforms, strategic enforcement measures, and improved compliance systems, revenue performance has steadily grown, providing the government with the resources needed to support national development priorities in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social services.

One of the most groundbreaking achievements of the past ten years has been the digitalization of revenue collection and tax payments. The introduction of automated systems and online platforms has reduced manual processes, minimized leakages, and enhanced transparency and accountability. Today, taxpayers can file and pay taxes more efficiently, while customs operations are faster, more reliable, and aligned with international standards.

Equally important has been the strong emphasis on capacity building. Continuous staff training—both locally and internationally—has equipped GRA personnel with modern skills in tax administration, auditing, customs management, and digital systems. This investment in human capital has strengthened professionalism within the institution and ensured that reforms are sustainable.

The GRA’s growing engagement with global institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and other international partners has further positioned The Gambia as a country committed to fiscal discipline and reform. International recognition and collaboration over the years underscore the credibility and impact of the Authority’s work.

Transparency, accountability, and integrity have become hallmarks of the modern GRA. By strengthening internal controls and promoting ethical standards, the institution has restored public confidence and improved voluntary compliance among taxpayers.

The progress recorded over the last decade is not accidental. It is the product of disciplined leadership, strategic vision, and unwavering dedication to national service. Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe has demonstrated that effective leadership can transform public institutions and deliver measurable results for the people.

As The Gambia continues its development journey, the achievements of the GRA stand as a testament to what is possible when commitment meets competence. The shift from millions to billions is more than a financial milestone—it is a symbol of institutional resilience and national progress.

This is good news worth celebrating.

GRA Officials Shine at UNCTAD Training, Deepening The Gambia’s Trade Reform Drive

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

Two senior officials from the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) Customs Trade Facilitation Unit, alongside members of the National Trade Facilitation Secretariat at the Ministry of Trade, have successfully completed a high-level capacity-building course organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), marking yet another milestone in The Gambia’s accelerating trade reform agenda.

The prestigious Effective Communication Course for National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs) was held from 4th to 6th February 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa, and brought together select countries committed to modernizing trade systems and strengthening global competitiveness.

The in-person training builds on a series of intensive online courses previously delivered by UNCTAD, focusing on the strategic use of the Reform Tracker—a cutting-edge digital platform supporting the implementation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Since formally joining the platform in April 2025, The Gambia has emerged as one of its most active and exemplary users, recording an impressive TFA implementation score of 59.57%.

Demonstrating exceptional commitment to transparency and accountability, The Gambia continues to hold weekly coordination meetings with UNCTAD, ensuring steady progress, policy coherence, and predictable reform outcomes.

The Johannesburg course was designed to further empower NTFC members by enhancing their public speaking and strategic communication skills, strengthening their ability to monitor reform implementation through the Reform Tracker, and equipping them with effective change-management tools to overcome resistance and sustain momentum in trade facilitation reforms.

During the programme, the Gambian delegation delivered compelling presentations highlighting the remarkable achievements of the NTFC between 2023 and 2025, as well as ambitious reform plans for 2026 and 2027, including anticipated challenges and mitigation strategies. The delegation also showcased The Gambia’s NTFC Communication Strategy and Implementation Plan for 2026, earning commendation for clarity, vision, and alignment with international best practices.

Notably, The Gambia ranks among the first and few countries worldwide to benefit from the UNCTAD Reform Tracker, following a formal request by the Government. The platform plays a critical role in coordinating national trade facilitation reforms, particularly the implementation of outstanding Category B and C measures under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.

The successful completion of this course, coupled with The Gambia’s proactive and effective use of the Reform Tracker, underscores the country’s unwavering commitment to transparency, predictability, and fairness in global trade. These efforts significantly enhance investor confidence and reinforce The Gambia’s standing as a credible and reliable trading partner on the international stage.

On behalf of the Chairman of the National Trade Facilitation Committee, heartfelt appreciation is extended to the Commissioner General and the entire Management of the Gambia Revenue Authority for their visionary leadership and relentless drive in advancing trade facilitation reforms in full alignment with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.

Opposition Illusions, Social Media Noise, and the Reality of Electoral Politics

As The Gambia approaches another decisive election year, it is necessary to separate political reality from manufactured illusion. Unfortunately, much of what is being presented by segments of the opposition and their online cheerleaders belongs firmly in the latter category.

A growing number of opposition supporters have convinced themselves that social media noise and selective “surveys” are substitutes for political organisation, national presence, and electoral credibility. They are not. Elections are not won on Facebook timelines, WhatsApp groups, or Twitter spaces. They are won on the ground—through structures, consistency, unity, and delivery.

Electoral history is instructive. Parties such as Sobeyaa, UMC, and PDOIS have repeatedly failed to break beyond marginal percentages nationwide. This is not insult; it is record. Outside the Kombos, many of these parties lack visible, functional structures and cannot demonstrate sustained grassroots support across all six administrative regions. Press statements and online activism cannot replace political machinery.

It is also important to clarify a common deception: signatures collected for party registration do not equate to voter loyalty. The Gambian electorate understands the difference between administrative compliance and political commitment. No one is fooled.

More telling, however, is the state of the so-called “main opposition.” The UDP is currently experiencing one of the most difficult periods in its history. Since the selection of Ousainou Darboe as flagbearer, the party has not consolidated; it has fractured. Two prominent figures exited and formed separate political movements. Their support bases did not vanish—they dispersed, with many supporters quietly relocating to the National People’s Party (NPP).

The consequences are visible and damaging:

Open hostility between former UDP allies on social media

Persistent factionalism among those who remained and those who left.

A recent nationally televised war of words between two Members of Parliament who were once UDP colleagues, now divided after one departed with the party’s former political favourite to establish a new movement.

This is not a picture of readiness. It is a picture of disunity and internal collapse.

A fragmented opposition cannot plausibly present itself as a credible alternative government. If a party cannot manage its own internal contradictions, how does it propose to govern a diverse nation?

There is also a moral contradiction that deserves mention. During the darkest years of dictatorship—when dissent was dangerous, rights were suppressed, and fear dominated public life—many of today’s loudest critics were conspicuously silent. Now, in an environment of freedom and constitutional protection, they present themselves as fearless champions. Courage exercised only after danger has passed is not leadership.

The irony is that the very freedom enabling today’s criticism exists because this country moved away from dictatorship. Under authoritarian rule, such public attacks would have been unthinkable.

Meanwhile, voters are not blind. They see tangible outcomes:

Nationwide infrastructural development

Rural electrification reaching towns, villages, and hamlets

Expanded agricultural support

Improved access to education

Protection of human rights and social justice

An open democratic space that tolerates dissent

Even opposition-celebrated data such as the CePRASS report does not demonstrate opposition strength; it reveals fragmentation. Preferences are scattered, leadership is contested, and coordination is absent. Undecided voters are not rejecting the ruling party in favour of the opposition—they are withholding judgment, waiting for seriousness, unity, and clarity.

The National People’s Party will not allow political fantasy to dominate national discourse. We will engage, respond, and confront misinformation directly—platform for platform, record against record.

This election will not be decided by hashtags or manufactured outrage.

It will be decided by credibility, unity, and delivery.

On those measures, the contrast is clear.

Yaya Dampha

NPP Diaspora Coordinator – Sweden