Barrow’s Leadership and The Gambia’s Democratic Rebirth: A Fair Judgment?

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

When Adama Barrow took office in January 2017, The Gambia was emerging from one of the darkest chapters in its post-independence history. Two decades of authoritarian rule had left state institutions weakened, civil liberties crushed, journalists silenced, and political opposition criminalised. The task before the new administration was not routine governance, but national democratic reconstruction.

Nearly a decade on, recent international governance rankings provide an opportunity to assess how far the country has come—and whether it is being judged fairly.

According to the 2026 World Economics Governance Index, as reported by Business Insider Africa, The Gambia is ranked the 10th best-governed country in Africa and 74th globally, with an overall score of 47.6 out of 100. The index evaluates governance across corruption control, rule of law, press freedom, and political rights.

For a country that, prior to 2017, was synonymous with repression and fear, this ranking represents a significant turnaround.

Reopening Political and Media Space

One of the most notable achievements of the Barrow administration has been the restoration of political freedom and media independence. Today, The Gambia has:

No political prisoners

No journalists in detention

A vibrant and critical media landscape

Opposition parties operating without intimidation.

These realities stand in sharp contrast to the pre-2017 era, when journalists fled the country, media houses were shut down, and political dissent often ended in detention or exile.

This progress is reflected in the index, where The Gambia scored 65.4 in press freedom and 54.8 in political rights, placing it among Africa’s more open political systems.

Governance Challenges Within an Open System

The report also highlights areas requiring further reform. Scores for rule of law (38.5) and corruption control (31.6) remain modest. However, analysts note that these challenges are being addressed within a democratic environment where citizens, civil society, and the media are free to question and criticise government action—an essential condition for long-term institutional strengthening.

Comparing The Gambia and Senegal

Neighbouring Senegal ranked higher on the index, placing 7th in Africa and 63rd globally, with a composite score of 54.0. Senegal recorded stronger results in political rights (73.8) and press freedom (57.6), though it also faces institutional weaknesses, particularly in rule of law (41.1).

Yet this comparison raises important questions.

Despite its higher numerical ranking, Senegal continues to witness the arrest, detention, and prosecution of political opponents, as well as the incarceration of journalists—a reality that sharply contrasts with the current situation in The Gambia, where no journalist or opposition figure is imprisoned for political reasons.

A Question of Fair Assessment

Under President Barrow, The Gambia has consolidated a political culture defined by freedom of expression, tolerance of dissent, and competitive politics. While governance reforms remain a work in progress, the country’s record on fundamental freedoms stands out in the sub-region.

This leads to a crucial question: Is The Gambia being fairly judged when compared to Senegal on political freedom and media freedom, given that The Gambia has no political prisoners and no jailed journalists, while Senegal does?

As governance indices continue to shape international perceptions, the Gambian case suggests that democratic reality on the ground should weigh as heavily as numerical scores. For many observers, The Gambia’s post-2017 journey under President Barrow remains one of West Africa’s most compelling democratic recoveries.

A REBUTTAL TO LAMIN JUWARA’S SELECTIVE HISTORY, LEGAL CONFUSION, AND POLITICAL HYPOCRISY

By Yaya Dampha, NPP Diaspora Coordinator – Sweden

Lamin Juwara styles himself as a “political analyst,” yet his recent public commentary exposes a troubling deficit in political education, historical honesty, and constitutional literacy. Whether this is born of ignorance or deliberate distortion is immaterial; either way, it renders his analysis unreliable and misleading.

Distorting the Jawara Record

It is intellectually dishonest to invoke as a pristine democratic model without acknowledging the full record. Jawara ruled The Gambia for nearly three decades—27 to 30 years, depending on how one counts transitional periods. That era was not a democratic idyll. It was marked by entrenched corruption, nepotism, weak institutions dependent on personalities rather than law, and chronic underdevelopment. Yes, Jawara tolerated multiparty politics—but tolerance alone does not absolve decades of governance failures.

Silence During Tyranny

Mr. Juwara’s newfound democratic fervor raises a basic question: where was his voice during the 22 years of authoritarian rule under ? There were no interviews, no public interventions, no principled resistance. Many who are loud today were silent then—beneficiaries of a system they now conveniently denounce. Courage discovered after danger has passed is not principle; it is opportunism.

The Hollow “Third Term” Claim

Juwara’s central argument—that President Barrow seeking re-election undermines democracy—collapses under legal scrutiny. The 1997 Constitution contains no clause barring President Barrow from contesting again. Term limits are not retroactive, and political opinion is not constitutional law. When Mr. Juwara says, “Many Gambians, myself included, believe…,” one must ask: since when did personal belief override constitutional legality? Is Mr. Juwara now the law of The Gambia?

Selective Morality, Real Tolerance

President has governed with a level of tolerance unmatched in our political history—a fact acknowledged even by critics. If there is one lesson to draw from Jawara, it is tolerance, and by any objective measure President Barrow has exceeded that standard. Mr. Juwara ignores this reality because it does not fit his narrative.

Opinion Is Not Analysis

Serious political analysis requires historical accuracy, constitutional understanding, and consistency of principle. What we get instead are soundbites and selective memory amplified on platforms such as —visibility mistaken for expertise.

A Question of Motive

One is left to wonder whether this is political immaturity or a defense of past privilege—an attempt to sanitize an era when some families prospered at the expense of the taxpayer. Either way, the arguments fail on the merits.

Conclusion
What Mr. Juwara offers is not analysis but hypocrisy dressed as concern, ignorance masquerading as principle, and opinion pretending to be law. Until he can cite constitutional provisions, confront history honestly, and explain his silence during real dictatorship, he should refrain from lecturing Gambians about democracy.

Democracy rests on law, truth, and consistency—not noise, nostalgia, or selective outrage.

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.