APP-Sobeyaa leader Essa Mbye Faal has denied allegations that he sought a government position or received $10 million in exchange for joining President Adama Barrow’s National People’s Party (NPP)-led alliance.
Faal made the denial on Sunday at State House during a ceremony formalizing his political alliance with President Barrow ahead of the December 5 presidential election.
“God knows I did not ask for any position in joining the ruling party alliance,” Faal said. “I did not join to get a position.”
The former presidential candidate said he remained prepared to serve The Gambia in whatever capacity he might be called upon, but insisted that seeking a government appointment was not a condition of his decision to join the alliance.
“I will take whatever I am offered, and wherever I am invited to work for the country, I will work there,” he said.
Faal pointed to his previous role as lead counsel at the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), saying Gambians should be willing to serve their country whenever opportunities arise.
DENIES $10 MILLION PAYMENT
Faal also rejected claims that financial difficulties or promises of money influenced his decision to support President Barrow.
He specifically denied allegations that Barrow had given him $10 million in exchange for joining the governing alliance.
Faal said no money had changed hands and challenged anyone to provide evidence that he had been financially compensated for the political agreement.
“God is my witness that I did not receive any butut for joining this alliance,” he said.
He added that the expenses for Sunday’s State House ceremony were jointly covered by himself, APP-Sobeyaa and the NPP-led alliance.
Faal also said President Barrow, who attended the ceremony, could contradict his account if what he was saying was untrue.
‘NATIONAL INTEREST’
Faal said his decision followed his assessment of The Gambia’s political circumstances and what he considered to be in the national interest.
“If anybody sees me, they will know that I do not need anything from anybody,” he said, arguing that his professional knowledge and experience enabled him to provide for himself.
The alliance marks a major shift in Faal’s political relationship with Barrow. Faal challenged Barrow as an independent candidate in the 2021 presidential election and later became leader of APP-Sobeyaa, repeatedly criticizing the administration over issues including governance, corruption and accountability.
QUESTIONS OVER ALLIANCE TERMS
Faal’s decision has nevertheless generated questions, particularly because the full terms of the alliance have not been publicly disclosed.
The move has also exposed divisions within APP-Sobeyaa, with some founding members and senior officials rejecting the agreement and calling for Faal’s resignation as party leader.
Kerr Fatou previously reported, citing people familiar with the negotiations, that discussions allegedly included Faal’s longstanding dispute over land near the Tanji Bird Reserve and possible diplomatic appointments for some of his associates.
Those claims have not been independently verified. Neither APP-Sobeyaa nor the NPP has publicly released the full terms of the agreement.
Faal’s denial therefore comes amid continuing scrutiny over what was discussed and agreed during negotiations between APP-Sobeyaa and the NPP.
His decision to abandon his previous opposition to Barrow and join the president’s alliance represents a significant reversal ahead of the December election, while leaving the details of the agreement subject to further public scrutiny.
