Tri-vergence or Turmoil? Opposition’s “Harmony Pact” Sparks Questions Ahead of December Showdown

By Yaya Dampha NPP Diaspora Coordinator, Sweden

The recent announcement by six opposition parties in The Gambia that they have signed what they call a “Harmony Pact” under the banner of the Tri-vergence Accord has been presented as a step toward unity ahead of the December 5 presidential election. However, beneath the appealing language of cooperation and good faith lies a number of serious political questions.

At its core, the accord is described as a voluntary and non-binding moral commitment designed to reduce hostility and mistrust among rival camps. Yet the very need for such a pact exposes the deep divisions within the opposition. If genuine trust and shared purpose already existed, there would be no requirement for a formal agreement instructing members and supporters to avoid inflammatory rhetoric.

The pact does not resolve the central issue confronting the opposition: leadership. Multiple presidential aspirants remain in competition, each seeking to secure the coalition ticket. Ambition, ego, and political survival are powerful forces. Without a clear and agreed leadership structure, declarations of harmony risk being symbolic rather than substantive.

Furthermore, the agreement calls on party members and supporters to refrain from incitement and public hostility. However, much of the antagonism in Gambian politics occurs online and at the grassroots level. If party executives truly exercise discipline and command loyalty within their ranks, such hostilities would already be under control. The gap between official pronouncements and the behavior of supporters raises legitimate doubts about enforcement and sincerity.

Another point worth noting is that the pact is not legally binding. It carries no enforceable consequences should any party withdraw or violate its spirit. In a political environment where alliances shift quickly, a moral commitment without institutional safeguards provides little assurance of stability.

While opposition figures continue to criticize the government, they have yet to convincingly articulate a unified alternative program that inspires broad national confidence. Persistent attacks, without a clear and cohesive policy vision, may signal frustration more than readiness to govern.

In contrast, supporters of the remain confident in the record of development and governance delivered to the Gambian people. Elections are ultimately decided not by press statements or symbolic accords, but by credibility, performance, and trust.

The so-called Tri-vergence Accord may represent an attempt at damage control or internal confidence-building. However, unity must be demonstrated through action, clarity of leadership, and consistent messaging—not merely through carefully crafted communiqués.

As the campaign season approaches, Gambians will be watching closely. Whether this pact marks the beginning of genuine convergence or merely reflects coordinated confusion remains to be seen.

Customs Seaport Lauds Excellence as Three Officers Attain New Heights

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

In a powerful display of institutional pride and professional advancement, the Customs Seaport on Monday, 2 March 2026, hosted a dignified decoration ceremony celebrating the promotion of three outstanding officers—an event that underscored the Service’s unwavering commitment to excellence, discipline, and national service.

The ceremony, held at the Seaport Longroom, was led by the indefatigable Seaport Customs Manager, , whose leadership continues to inspire confidence and progress within the ranks. Addressing officers and guests, Mr. Mendy extended heartfelt appreciation to (GRA) Management for fostering an enabling environment that rewards merit, dedication, and professionalism across the Customs Service.

At the height of the ceremony, senior officer Njunka Njie received the highest promotion, personally decorated by the Customs Manager himself—a moment greeted with resounding applause. This was followed by the decoration of Aminta Jarjue (Sub-Officer II) by Senior Officer Foday Drammeh. In a proud testament to the institution’s steadfast commitment to gender balance and inclusion, Roheyatou Minteh (Sub-Officer III) was decorated by Binta Jammeh, symbolizing empowerment and equal opportunity within the Service.

In his closing remarks, Manager Mendy reaffirmed Management’s deep awareness of the Seaport’s strategic importance in the national revenue drive. He paid glowing tribute to the tireless sacrifices of officers who diligently serve long hours—from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.—to safeguard national economic interests.

Invoking a timeless principle of public service, he charged all officers to uphold integrity and excellence at all times, reminding them that, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” He urged continued commitment to doing the right thing—whether under supervision or not—thereby reinforcing the noble values that define the Customs Service.

The ceremony ended on a high note, leaving officers energized and reaffirmed in their duty to serve the nation with honor, loyalty, and professionalism.

Drug Smuggler Arrested at Mile 2 Prison

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter
Dated: 27 February 2026

In an act authorities have described as reckless and unlawful, a young man allegedly attempted to smuggle illicit drugs into Mile 2 Central Prison under the pretext of delivering food items to a friend.

Prison authorities confirmed that the suspect, identified as , a resident of Abuko, was arrested on Friday, 27 February 2026, while visiting the prison to deliver provisions to a remand prisoner.

According to officials, routine security screening carried out by prison officers led to the discovery of approximately twenty-two (22) wraps of a suspected prohibited substance locally known as “coos.” The substance was allegedly concealed inside packets of noodles and was detected during standard inspection procedures.

Mr. Amadou Tijan Sowe was immediately taken into custody and subsequently handed over to the (DLEAG) for further investigation. Authorities said he is expected to be charged in accordance with the country’s drug control laws.

The Prison Authorities, working in close collaboration with DLEAG, reiterated their firm commitment to combating drug trafficking and maintaining security and order within all correctional facilities nationwide. They cautioned that any attempt to smuggle prohibited items into prisons constitutes a serious criminal offence and will be met with the full force of the law.

Members of the public have been urged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the ongoing fight against illegal drug trafficking and other criminal activities.

Maimuna Ceesay to ECOWAS: Move Beyond Talk and Deliver on AfCFTA

'By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

Gambian parliamentarian has urged West African leaders to abandon rhetoric and deliver tangible progress on regional trade integration, pressing for decisive action to implement the [missing content].

Addressing an extraordinary sitting of the [missing institution] on Tuesday, Ceesay said years of dialogue have yielded little concrete change, calling instead for “functional integration” that moves beyond negotiations to results.

She challenged the sub-region to institutionalize accountability by creating a parliamentary oversight mechanism to track AfCFTA implementation, arguing that commitments made in speeches and communiqués must be matched by measurable action.

“Commitment cannot remain verbal,” Ceesay told lawmakers, stressing the need for a shared vision backed by execution. “Africa needs common objectives, not repeated promises.”

The lawmaker said national ministries of trade should work in closer alignment with the regional parliament to harmonize policies and accelerate outcomes.

From Symbol to Structure: Call to Make African Languages Central to AU Integration

From Symbol to Structure: Call to Make African Languages Central to AU Integration

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

February 24, 2026

A former senior official of the African Union has urged the new leadership of the African Union Commission to move beyond symbolic recognition of African languages and embed them fully into the Union’s day-to-day governance and integration agenda.

In an open letter addressed to the Chairperson of the Commission in Addis Ababa, Lang Fafa Dampha, former Executive Secretary of the African Academy of Languages (ACALAN), argued that Africa’s development ambitions cannot be realised without linguistic inclusion at institutional level.

Drawing on more than 15 years of service within the AU system, Dampha said that while African identity is often celebrated in official rhetoric, the Union’s operations remain dominated by inherited colonial languages, limiting citizen participation and weakening democratic legitimacy. He warned that policies developed in languages inaccessible to most Africans risk alienating the very people continental integration is meant to serve.

According to Dampha, the challenge is particularly urgent as the AU advances flagship initiatives such as African Continental Free Trade Area and implements Agenda 2063. He stressed that trade, peace, digital transformation and governance reforms require communication systems that ordinary Africans can understand and own.

The letter calls for practical action rather than new declarations. Among the key proposals are the full operationalisation of Kiswahili as a working language of the Union, including dedicated budget lines, permanent interpretation and translation staff, and the strengthening of the Pan-African interpretation and translation infrastructure under ACALAN.

Dampha also highlighted the risk of African languages being marginalised in the digital era, urging the AU to invest in terminology development, open-source linguistic data, and the localisation of digital public services. He further proposed turning African Languages Week and the ongoing Decade of African Languages into accountability platforms, requiring member states to report measurable progress.

A central recommendation is the creation of an African Languages Development Fund to finance translation of treaties, harmonisation of writing systems, advanced training programmes, and public service broadcasting in African languages.

In conclusion, Dampha argued that African languages should be treated as strategic infrastructure, not cultural ornaments. “A Union that speaks to its people in their own voices,” he wrote, “is a Union that truly belongs to them.”

The open letter positions linguistic inclusion as a core test of the new Commission’s commitment to deepening continental integration, citizen ownership and Africa-centred development.

FROM PUBLIC OFFICE TO PUBLIC PITY: D. A. JAWO’S FAILED ATTEMPT AT SELF-VICTIMISATION

By Yaya Dampha
NPP Diaspora Coordinator – Sweden

The recent article by , published by , under the emotive title “A Victim of Vindictiveness?”, is less a serious political reflection and more a carefully packaged narrative of self-pity, selective memory, and personal frustration. It is an attempt to reframe political irrelevance as persecution and personal underperformance as principled dissent.

Let us address the facts—calmly, firmly, and point by point—in defence of and his government.

First, Mr. Jawo openly acknowledges that his dismissal from cabinet in June 2018 was entirely constitutional. The President of the Republic has the legal and executive authority to appoint and dismiss ministers. Cabinet reshuffles are a normal feature of democratic governance across the world. They are not acts of vindictiveness, nor are they punishments. To portray a lawful executive decision as personal persecution is intellectually dishonest and politically disingenuous.

Second, Mr. Jawo’s tenure as Minister of Information lasted eighteen months. During that period, he failed to leave behind any meaningful legacy. As a former leader of journalists who once fought against draconian media laws under dictatorship, Gambians rightly expected him to champion the repeal or review of those same laws when he assumed office. He did not. No bold reform. No decisive initiative. No structural change. Power was in his hands, yet nothing changed. Silence and inaction cannot later be repackaged as suppressed bravery.

Third, the claim that he felt “confined” in cabinet because he could not openly criticise government decisions is an indictment of his own leadership, not of the system. Collective responsibility is not a prison; it is a cornerstone of serious governance. Leadership demands courage within power, not comfort outside it. Criticism after dismissal is easy. Reform while in office is what defines statesmanship.

Fourth, the insinuation that he could have been “recycled” into government had he stopped criticising the President is speculative and self-serving. Governments retain or reassign officials based on performance, relevance, trust, and alignment with policy direction. Mr. Jawo cannot simultaneously claim he had no interest in returning to government and still complain about not being reappointed. One cannot reject a door and then accuse others of slamming it shut.

Fifth, Mr. Jawo admits membership in , an organisation whose stated objective is to unseat President Barrow in the next election. That is his democratic right. However, rights come with consequences. No government anywhere in the world extends state privileges, honours, or invitations to individuals actively organising against it. The withdrawal of invitations to state functions is not “sanction”; it is standard, logical, and politically neutral. State functions are privileges, not entitlements.

Sixth, attendance at state dinners, national dialogues, or independence celebrations is not a birthright. Millions of Gambians attend none of these events and suffer no injustice. These invitations are extended based on office, role, and relevance—not as lifetime rewards for former service. To interpret non-invitation as victimisation is to confuse entitlement with citizenship.

Seventh, the article is riddled with contradictions. Mr. Jawo claims to have cordial relations with the President and expresses gratitude for having served in cabinet, yet simultaneously alleges covert punishment, shadowy emissaries, and deliberate exclusion. These inconsistencies expose the article for what it truly is: a narrative driven by wounded ego rather than public interest.

Finally, President Barrow’s record stands firm. Under his leadership, has restored constitutional order, expanded democratic space, strengthened institutions, and moved decisively away from two decades of authoritarian rule. The Barrow administration has governed with tolerance, restraint, and respect for dissent—qualities that make claims of vindictiveness ring hollow.

In conclusion, Mr. Jawo is not a victim of vindictiveness. He is a former minister struggling to reconcile personal ambition with political reality. President Barrow owes him no apology for exercising constitutional authority, demanding results, or refusing to blur the line between the state and its political opponents.

History will remember those who built, reformed, and delivered—not those who found their voices only after leaving office.