Reflecting on Yahya Jammeh's Complicated Legacy

By alhagie Suntou Touray

Truth, Compassion, and the Path to National Healing: Reflecting on Yahya Jammeh's Complicated Legacy Yahya Jammeh’s legacy is far from one-dimensional, a fact that demands careful consideration. While many Gambians benefited from his policies—including scholarships, financial assistance, and initiatives like the Presidential Award for Young Entrepreneurs and Professionals (PaJEP)—it is equally important to confront the darker aspects of his rule. As a former president, Jammeh was, like all humans, capable of making mistakes. However, the mistakes made during his presidency were not trivial. They were profound and, regrettably, resulted in the loss of lives, freedom, and dignity for numerous Gambians. For those who still support and admire Jammeh, the most honorable response is not to perpetuate blind loyalty but to acknowledge his missteps with sincerity. The teachings of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) remind us that when significant wrongs are committed, the righteous path is one of Tawba—repentance. This process involves seeking forgiveness both from God and from those who have been harmed, marking the beginning of emotional accountability and representing an act of strength rather than weakness. What is particularly alarming is the reluctance among some to acknowledge the consequences of Jammeh’s actions, opting instead to defend the indefensible. This stance reflects a troubling lack of compassion and diminishes the suffering experienced by countless victims and their families. The Gambian people are inherently forgiving, and for some, supporting Jammeh may offer personal solace. However, it must never come at the expense of truth. Such support should not diminish the pain endured by others or invalidate the experiences of those who suffered under his regime.

Speaking from personal experience, in December 2007, I was detained at the Navy Headquarters. I was fortunate to be released unharmed, thanks to the intervention of a naval officer on duty. Had he not been present, I could easily have become another name among the many Gambians who faced brutal torture or disappearance. That moment, rather than leaving me bitter, serves as a testament to the precariousness of survival for so many. It is crucial to recognize that, while Jammeh’s administration had its benefits—like facilitating access to civil service jobs for previously marginalized groups and sponsoring spiritual pilgrimages for many supporters—these contributions do not erase the serious human rights violations that also marked his time in power. It is only human to feel gratitude for the positive aspects of his governance. Yet, it is equally essential to express empathy for those who bear the scars of his regime. We must create space for dual truths: that some Gambians thrived under Jammeh's leadership while others suffered irreparably. A healthy society is one that can hold these truths together, allowing for a rich and nuanced understanding of our past.

I think of my late friend, Ebrima Solo Sandeng—may Allah grant him eternal peace. He epitomized principles of compassion and humanity, and to his family, as well as to the families of all victims of past injustices, I extend my deepest prayers: may Allah grant them Jannah and peace. The journey toward national healing begins with acknowledgment. It is only through confronting our past with honesty and compassion that we can work toward reconciliation, justice, and unity.

Government Stops Over 1,424 Absentee Workers’ Salaries, Recommends Summary Dismissal

According to the press release issued by the office of spokesperson president Ebrima G Sankareh over one thousand unaccounted workers will be summarily dismiss. Bellow is the full text of the press release. The Gambia Government Stops Over 1,424 Absentee Workers’ Salaries, Recommends Summary Dismissal Per PSC Regulations No. 57 Banjul, The Gambia - The Gambia Government announces that The Ministry of Public Service, Administrative Reform, Policy Coordination & Delivery through the Personnel Management Office (PMO), successfully carried out two phases of Staff Audit in the Fiscal Year 2024. Phase One covered the Ministries of Basic and Secondary Education, Health and Agriculture, Livestock & Food Security. The finalised report of this Staff Audit has resulted in the stoppage of over 1,424 unaccountable public servants’ salaries. Accordingly, banks and relevant financial institutions where their salaries were deposited, have been duly notified to recover all wrongful salaries paid to these absentee Government employees. While the recovery process progresses, a list of the said perennially absentee staff has been submitted to the Public Service Commission (PSC) with recommendations to summarily dismiss them, and declare their positions vacant in accordance with PSC Regulations No.57. The Second Phase of the Staff Audit conducted in December 2024, covered the rest of the Civil Service, which includes the Armed and Security Forces. Crucially, based on the preliminary reports of this Audit, some 679 Public Servants could not be physically identified. Consequently, their salaries will be initially stopped for the month of April, 2025 pending potentially genuine queries from affected staff. Thereafter, a detailed list covering unseen staff will be published for wrongful salary recovery and immediate dismissal from the Service of The Gambia Government. Both phases of Staff Audit were conducted together with Pensioners’ Audit, with a view to cleaning up of Government pensioners’ database of deceased beneficiaries. Significantly, and consistent with global best practices, The Ministry of Public Service, is poised to put in place robust mechanisms and processes to circumvent persistent incidents of ghost workers on Government payroll for both active employees and pensioners. These Audit exercises are saving The Gambia Government millions of Dalasis on account of wrongful salary and pension payments. Sign: Ebrima G. Sankareh The Gambia Government Spokesperson & Presidential Diaspora Adviser

Journalism without inquiry is just storytelling without substance.

By Alagi Yorro Jallow

Investigative rigor is what separates true journalism from mere reporting—it challenges narratives, uncovers truths, and holds power accountable. Alagi Yorro Jallow Fatoumatta: The absolute silence of Gambian media practitioners regarding the arrest of an editor and a political commentator is deeply concerning. This lack of coverage raises serious questions about media integrity and suggests a troubling compromise or a deliberate act of self-censorship that stops the exposure of human rights violations against certain individuals. It increasingly appears that Gambian online media platforms are mere mouthpieces for the Senegalese government, undermining their role as independent watchdogs for justice and truth. At its core, journalism serves as an essential safeguard for democracy, bravely holding those in power accountable rather than merely echoing government narratives. A free press stands as an unwavering pillar of justice, ensuring that dissenting voices are not only heard but amplified. It must resist being selective in its reporting, rejecting any role as a propaganda machine for governments or their officials. Journalists have the right to pursue the truth without fear of persecution. Dedicated and professional journalists fiercely advocate for press freedom, defend the rights of their colleagues, and expose human rights abuses. They stand firmly against any government efforts to stifle the free press or target journalists for retribution.

As responsible journalist or journalists of conscience our laws, moral standards, customs, and modern civil rights exist to uphold the five fundamental freedoms of every individual: the right to life, the right to honor, the right to property, the right to faith (belief), and the right to express one’s thought (ideas and opinions). Protecting these freedoms is not merely a legal obligation; it is the cornerstone of a free society. When these rights are suppressed, it stifles the very essence of human expression. The moment one individual is unjustly deprived of these liberties, the fabric of society is threatened. Fatoumatta: The arrest of Simon Faye from Sen TV and apolitical commentator Abdou Nguer marks a blatant assault on freedom of thought and information. Alarmingly, this critical incident has been largely ignored by Gambian online news outlets, which seem more invested in propagating the interests of the Senegalese government rather than defending the human rights of journalists and supporters of previous regimes. None of Faye’s comments incited public unrest; any chaos would rightfully fall on those who instigate it. He is a journalist of integrity, not a disruptor of civil peace or our democratic institutions. The issue at hand isn’t whether Faye authored the controversial article; rather, his wrongful arrest embodies an alarming trend of intimidation that undermines the press, aiming to instill fear among Senegalese citizens regarding their ability to voice dissent—especially if their opinions challenge Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko or jeopardize his image. The mere sensitivity of a Prime Minister does not legitimize the prosecution of a journalist or a citizen, nor can it justify keeping him in custody. This ordeal represents a grievous abuse of power that contradicts the assurances made by the President during his recent media interaction, where he attempted to distance himself from these politically motivated arrests. Fatoumatta: It is abundantly clear to all observers that Prime Minister Sonko is the architect of these repressive measures, regardless of whether or not he explicitly directed the DIC (the Directorate of Criminal Investigations) or the prosecutor to act. In oppressive regimes, officials frequently operate as ardent defenders of their leaders’ images, acting without formal orders. The President's denial merely legitimizes a troubling pattern that many hoped was only a temporary aberration. Regrettably, the intimidation and manipulation of the DIC as a political tool continue unabated, contrary to the expectations of a hopeful Senegalese populace. Let us be crystal clear: every citizen has the right to scrutinize societal issues and express their thoughts on public actions and the authorities executing them without having to justify themselves. Every Gambian and Senegalese citizen—especially journalists, intellectuals, and analysts—should relish the freedom to articulate, publish, and disseminate their reflections, analyses, and interpretations openly. They possess the autonomy to interpret, describe, and critique events through their perspectives, guided by their beliefs and emotions. This kind of critical discourse is vital for a vibrant intellectual community. Journalists must be able to voice their criticism of Ousmane Sonko, Diomaye Faye, or any public figure without fear of reprisal. They should freely evaluate and interpret actions—such as Sonko's trips or visits—through their own lenses. They have the right to interpret decrees as power grabs and question the motivations behind inaction. This kind of discourse is not just a right; it is the lifeblood of civic engagement and accountability. Fatoumatta: New leaders must recognize that with their offices comes a responsibility to accept scrutiny. They are not above public evaluation; they are, in fact, servants of the people. Instead of retreating into sensitivity, these leaders should actively engage with the pressing issues that affect the Senegalese populace. The economic hardships currently plaguing the Senegalese people are dire and demand urgent attention. Citizens are not concerned with the Prime Minister's travels; they seek resolution to the pressing challenges they face daily. If he finds public scrutiny unsettling or feels the need to clarify his actions, it is incumbent upon him to engage constructively in public discourse. This engagement embodies the fundamental principles of democracy. Each leader, including the President and Prime Minister, must prioritize the security and welfare of the Senegalese people over trivial distractions; only then can they fulfill their mandate and earn the trust of the nation. Authentic prophets and revolutionaries are, above all, liberators who actively expand and deepen the rights of their contemporaries and the societies they seek to transform. They are celebrated for breaking the chains of injustice that bind individuals. The current regime’s governance has fallen short, failing to uphold essential public freedoms. Nonetheless, we still have the opportunity to enact meaningful change. We must allow intellectual and democratic vitality to thrive, resisting any attempts to suppress it. True transformation cannot occur without a genuinely free press. A newspaper’s editorial stance reflects its core values—standing either with or against those in power is a critical choice that must be honored. Fatoumatta: In this light, Gambian media practitioners should unite in solidarity with journalists across the globe. They must reject the role of propagandists or public relations agents for any government and instead commit to responsible and ethical journalism that upholds the integrity of the profession.

Editorial: The Supreme Court: A Pillar of Justice, Not a Tool for Convenience.

By Alagi Yorro Jallow

Fatoumatta: The Supreme Court stands as the guardian of justice in The Gambia, serving all Gambians, regardless of political affiliation. Its rulings shape the legal landscape, yet reactions to its decisions expose a troubling trend—respect and praise when a ruling is favorable, but insults and disdain when the outcome is undesirable. Recent verdicts illustrate this inconsistency. When the court ruled in favor of the Kanifing Municipal Authority (KMC) against the Ministry of Lands and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), it was widely hailed as an independent and impartial institution. Social media buzzed with commendations. However, this admiration often turns to disdain when the court's decisions do not align with certain political interests. Critics resort to insults and disparaging remarks, questioning the integrity of the judges and the Chief Justice. This pattern was evident when the court ruled in favor of the UDP in the case of National Assembly member Yah Kumba Jaiteh's removal—praise flowed freely. Yet, unfavorable rulings, such as the dismissal of recent election petition cases, have sparked contempt and derision. Such selective respect undermines the very foundation of justice. The courts are not instruments to serve political agendas; they are guardians of the law, tasked with upholding fairness and equity. It is imperative for all Gambians, regardless of political affiliation, to understand that justice is not about winning or losing—it is about the rule of law. Justice is not about political convenience. It is about upholding the rule of law, even when decisions are difficult or unpopular. The courts exist for every Gambian, and every verdict must be respected—not selectively embraced or condemned based on preference. Democratic principles demand faith in the judiciary, and that faith must not waver with partisan interests. The judiciary’s role is sacrosanct. Those who believe in justice must defend it in both triumph and disappointment. Gambians must rise above political biases and recognize that a fair legal system depends on respect for its institutions. Insulting judges or discrediting the courts undermines democracy itself. Fatoumatta: Let this be a reminder: the Supreme Court is not a battleground for political interests—it is the bedrock of justice, and it deserves unwavering respect.

Breaking News: Michael Sang Correa Convicted In United States

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Editorial: Justice Beyond Tribunals: Prioritizing Reparations for Victims of Yahya Jammeh’s Regime

By Alagi Yorro Jallow

The Gambia stands at a crossroads in its pursuit of justice and reconciliation. The government’s plan to allocate over D4 billion (approximately USD 60 million) to prosecute former president Yahya Jammeh and a select few through a Special Court of Tribunal raises serious concerns. While accountability for the atrocities committed during Jammeh’s regime is essential, we must confront the uncomfortable truth: is this the most effective and just path forward, especially in a nation grappling with economic hardship?

Mai Ahmad Fatty, leader of the Gambia Moral Congress (GMC), has rightly questioned the wisdom of this approach. He argues that these funds would be far better spent on reparations for the victims and families who continue to bear the scars of Jammeh’s brutal rule. This is not just a matter of economic prudence—it is a moral imperative. Reparations represent an acknowledgment of the pain endured by victims and a commitment to restoring their dignity. They are a tangible step toward healing and rebuilding lives shattered by years of oppression.

The proposed tribunal risks becoming yet another cash cow for lawyers, judicial officials, and private law firms—a repeat of the wasteful spending seen in the trial of the NIA 9, who were responsible for the murder of Solo Sandeng. In that case, over 50 million dalasis were funneled to a private law firm, despite the fact that the Department of Justice had capable prosecutors who could have handled the case. This outsourcing not only drained public funds but also created an opportunity for a select few to profit from the suffering of others. It was a betrayal of the very principles of justice and accountability that the trial was meant to uphold.

The Gambia cannot afford to repeat such mistakes. Justice must never be reduced to an industry for the privileged few at the expense of the very victims it seeks to serve. Instead, the government should focus on strengthening the existing Special Criminal Division of the High Court to handle prosecutions in a cost-effective and sustainable manner. This approach would ensure that justice is served without diverting critical resources away from the pressing needs of victims and the broader population. Reparations are not a luxury—they are a necessity. Allocating funds to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities for victims would have a transformative impact, enabling them to rebuild their lives and contribute to the nation’s progress. At the same time, we must recognize that true justice is not solely about punishment. It is about fostering a culture of accountability, forgiveness, and unity. Fatty’s call for banning Yahya Jammeh from politics for life is a pragmatic step that balances the need for accountability with the imperative of moving forward as a nation.

The economic realities of our country demand that we prioritize the needs of the many over the interests of the few. A protracted and expensive tribunal risks becoming a distraction from the substantive issues that matter to the people. Justice must be about more than retribution—it must be about restoration, reconciliation, and the collective healing of our nation. Fatoumatta: If we truly seek justice, let it be justice that restores, not one that drains. Let it uplift the broken, rather than enrich a select few. Reparations are not a favor—they are a moral obligation. Let this be the defining moment where we choose people over profit, healing over vengeance, and truth over political convenience. The future of The Gambia depends on it.