Today marks nine years since Gambians went to the polls on December 1, 2016, and courageously rejected the tyrannical regime of Yaya Jammeh. Led by the historic 2016 Coalition, Gambians voted with immense hope and firm belief that the country was on the cusp of genuine democratic transformation.
The Coalition 2016 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) made a solemn pledge to Gambians:
- To end impunity and self-perpetuating rule through strong constitutional and institutional safeguards, and to promote democratic values, good governance, the rule of law, substantive justice, and human rights.
- To institutionalize presidential term limits and strengthen checks and balances through empowered judicial, parliamentary, media, and civil society oversight.
Similarly, in his 2016 manifesto, Adama Barrow declared:
“I have offered myself as an Independent Candidate who will serve for only three years at the head of a broad-based and inclusive Coalition Government aimed at conducting constitutional, institutional and administrative reforms that would establish the foundation of a democratic system… and put an end to the culture of impunity and self-perpetuating rule.”
Yet nine years later, the promise of December 1 remains unfulfilled.
Rather than ushering in system change, corruption, abuse of office and disregard for the law the very tragedies that shackled The Gambia for decades have returned with renewed force. The system Gambians decisively rejected has been allowed not only to persist but to flourish, with its key enablers now empowered and protected.
EFSCRJ is deeply concerned that the transitional justice process has been derailed, delayed, or outright abandoned:
- No new constitution exists to build the Third Republic despite tens of millions of dalasi spent.
- The TRRC and Janneh Commission reports and recommendations remain largely ignored, stalled, or selectively implemented.
- Critical legal, constitutional, and security sector reforms are half-hearted, neglected, or deliberately undermined.
- Fundamental rights are increasingly violated as laws and state institutions are weaponized to intimidate, silence, and harass citizens.
Nine years after that pivotal vote, the spectre of the former dictator and his network of perpetrators continues to cast a shadow over the country. Our democratic transition stands on shaky ground.
A Call to National Vigilance and Action
On this significant anniversary, EFSCRJ urges all Gambians to remain alert, vigilant, and united in defending the spirit and gains of December 1, 2016. We call on citizens to:
- Demand transparent and accountable governance and ethical leadership at every level.
- Reject any attempt by or vote out President Barrow in his pursuit of a third term, in line with the Coalition 2016 MOU and his own manifesto commitments.
- Insist on the urgent adoption of a new republican constitution that will anchor a just, democratic, and secular Third Republic.
- Challenge corruption, abuse of office, and state capture wherever they occur.
- Reclaim the republic, which for 60 years has been hijacked by elected and appointed officials who have personalized public resources while the majority remain deprived.
The future of this country cannot be abandoned to impunity and misrule.
Renewing the Promise of December 1: Gambia Has Decided. Never Again.
On this ninth anniversary, we must renew our national mantra:
- Gambia Has Decided.
- Never Again.
We must stand firmly against corruption, impunity, economic exploitation, political exclusion, and all forms of violence.
We must stand for the rule of law, human rights, national unity, ethical leadership, transparency, and the efficient delivery of quality public goods and services.
Let this day serve as a renewal of our collective commitment to build the Gambia we deserve for ourselves, our children, and generations to come.
Gambia Has Decided.
Never Again.
2025 – The Year of Transparency and Accountability
