In light of Yahya Jammeh’s recent WhatsApp audio where he threatened to return to Gambia, Mr. Sulayman Ben Suwareh remarked that Jammeh was simply reacting to his situation in Equatorial Guinea. This remark was expressed in an interview with AG Radio. It is widely recognised that he is in exile, cut off from the world, and that the pressure on him is mounting, especially with ECOWAS supporting Gambia’s move to create a special tribunal for his trial.
Jammeh was simply addressing his loyal supporters and those who might still back him to bolster his significance. As a result, Jammeh was taking back the APRC “No to Alliance” group and criticising them for their lack of effectiveness. This statement from Jammeh may come across as unrealistic, given that he lacks control. This is why the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) must step in to determine which of the two APRCs is the authentic one, given that Jammeh does not have a political party. Jammeh is pursuing significance. Is Jammeh a threat to national security? Mr. Suwareh asserts that the answer is affirmative, as any deposed dictator compelled to relinquish power will persist in their efforts to reclaim it.
The current president and his government will face vulnerability as long as Yahya Jammeh is alive. The inquiry that needs to be posed is: What is the magnitude of his threat? The current circumstances in Gambia are the key factor. President Adama Barrow must proceed with great care, as the divisive politics he is involved in only bolster Yahya Jammeh’s standing. The Gambia is experiencing unprecedented polarisation, marked by rising living costs, ineffective security measures, and dysfunctional institutions. The amalgamation of these threats strengthens Jammeh, positioning him as a possible national security risk to this government. Mr. Suwareh stated.
The Gambia government will face challenges to monitor Jammeh, who continues to live freely in Equatorial Guinea, and in Gambia he is still supported by several influential and powerful loyalists both within the country and in President Barrow’s administration. The President is aware of these facts and is worried about the possible repercussions of the ECOMIG forces leaving Gambia. President Barrow appears unconcerned about the UDP, Essa Faal, PDOIS, or civil society. Yahya Jammeh is the individual that President Barrow fears the most. Jammeh may still have the capacity to disrupt Gambia, while none of these political parties have the means to do so through force, relying instead solely on the ballot box.
Mr. Suwareh stated that Jammeh’s considerable wealth serves as an extra advantage. Although assessing Jammeh’s wealth is unfeasible, it is clear that most of it resides abroad, while the rest is held by Amadou Samba. As a result, he continues to be affluent. Jammeh can take advantage of the geopolitical instability in West Africa to the detriment of Gambia. Jammeh represents a considerable danger to the national security of Gambia because of his numerous options and resources. Adama Barrow’s vulnerability is heightened by his initial decision not to prosecute Jammeh, opting instead to reinstate the APRC within the system. Barrow’s actions have put the entire country at risk.
