In this interview with AG Radio, Mr. Pa Modou Mbowe, former PRO of APRC (No to alliance), expresses his disappointment over Fabakary Tombong Jatta’s betrayal of Yahya Jammeh and the division it has caused within the APRC party by aligning with President Adama Barrow’s NPP party. Mr. Mbowe stated that there were rumours suggesting that Fabakary and Seedy Njie sold the party for D40 million to the NPP in order for the APRC to provide full support to President Barrow.
I am a member of the APRC (No to alliance). Although I am no longer the public relations officer (PRO), I remain loyal to Yahya Jammeh and continue to collaborate with my party members for the best interests of the party, said Mr. Mbowe.
Mr. Mbowe admits that the APRC is divided into three distinct parts, rather than just two. One segment led by Fabakary Tombong Jatta, another segment led by Yahya Tamba, and the third segment led by Habib Secka. According to Mr. Mbowe, this was part of a strategy created by Fabakary Tombong Jatta aimed at undermining the APRC (No to alliance).
In theory, APRC (Yes to alliance) aligns with President Barrow’s NPP, but the reality tells a different story. In 2017, it was Fabakary Tombong Jatta who convinced President Barrow to abandon the UDP, promising to bring the APRC to support him. President Barrow confirms this by stating that the notion of abandoning UDP for APRC weighed heavily on his heart when it was first brought to him by Fabakary Tombong Jatta, Mr. Mbowe added.
This is why, during 2017, 2018, and 2019, APRC organised numerous political rallies in various locations across the country, including Buffer-Zone, Brikama, Kotu, and Jabang. However, the purpose of these rallies was solely to persuade President Barrow of APRC’s substantial support base. Fabakary Tombong Jatta was responsible for the dismissal of Honourable Ousainou Daboe, which led him to state, “If I were the vice president, I would resign before the president sacks me, and if I were the president, I would sack the vice president before he resigns.” Mr. Mbow stated that all Fabakary Tombong Jatta aimed for was to create a divide between President Barrow and his political mentor, Honourable Ousainou Darboe, stated Mr. Mbowe.
According to Mr. mbowe, Fababary Tombong Jatta orchestrated all of this while ensuring that Jammeh remained unaware. Once, Jammeh enquired about the reason for his frequent visits to President Barrow at State House. “It’s just for conversation,” Fabakary replied. “Why don’t you accompany your executive members?” Jammeh asked. “Why do you travel alone in a taxi?” Jammeh enquired.
Mr. Mbowe stated that he once journeyed from the UK to Gambia, financing a nationwide tour on a fact-finding mission to engage with the people on behalf of the APRC party, aiming to increase the party’s support. He began his journey from Koina, but as he reached CRR, he began to sense something unusual about the behaviour of a party member, the late Malang Saibo Sanneh. Mr. Mbowe suspected that Fabakary had betrayed Jammeh and would align himself with President Barrow’s camp.
During this tour, Mr. Mbowe stated that when he reached Kamfenda, not far from Yahya Jammeh’s birthplace, Kanilai, he received a call from one Musa Jarjue (deceased) who enquired about his whereabouts. “I am in Kamfenda,” replied Mr. Mbowe. Please wait for me there; I will join you in two minutes, as Jammeh would like to speak with you, Musa Jarjue added. Musa Jarjue arrives while I was buying some mangoes. Mr. Jarjue was previously Jammeh’s contact person in Gambia. All phone calls to and from Jammeh were conducted through Mr. Jarjue.
For over an hour and a half, Mr. Mbowe stated that he was on the phone conversing with Jammeh. Following Jammeh’s suggestion, he purchased a basket loaded with cola nuts. Jammed instructed him to head to CRR and visit all eleven constituencies to deliver the cola nuts to the village elders, advising them against joining the NPP. Mr. Mbowe stated that this is where the APRC (No to alliance) originated.
Mr. Mbowe stated that during his ongoing tour, he received a call from Fabakary Tombong Jatta, who firmly warned him to terminate the fact-finding mission immediately and not to continue, in order to avoid any issues with him. Mr. Mbowe stated that he reluctantly agreed.
Concerning the coalition, Mr. Mbowe stated that he is not speaking on behalf of his political party; instead, he is expressing his personal views. Mr. Mbowe suggests that APRC should establish an alliance with UDP, GDC, PDOIS, Team Sobeya of Essa Faal, and all other parties committed to fostering genuine change. Unseating President Barrow is only achievable through a coalition; no single party can accomplish this task alone.
Mr. Mbowe asserts that he has not received any funds from any political party for his participation in any coalition. Parties that are truly committed to forming a coalition should unite, sign a memorandum of understanding, and begin collaborating effectively. In 2021, we formed a coalition with Mama Kandeh, and both parties signed a memorandum of understanding.
We continue to maintain positive working relations with each other. Following the 2021 elections, after the results were announced, several political leaders, including those from my party, Team Sobeya, gathered at Honourable Ousainou Darboe’s residence for a meeting to discuss certain electoral irregularities. If we were able to come together to protest the election results back then, why can’t we join forces now to create a coalition before 2026 to unseat President Barrow? Mr. Mbowe added.
