Pape Sanè, a journalist from Senegal, has disclosed a major revelation in his recent interview with ex-President Yahya Jammeh in Equatorial Guinea. The specifics of this interview will be released in the Senegalese news publication, Atlantic Magazine.
According to Sanè, Jammeh stated that his departure from The Gambia in 2017 was made possible by a legally binding agreement he signed with the United Nations, African Union, and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), when asked about his activities and views on Gambian politics. Jammeh stated that the agreement mandated his departure from the country for a duration of four years and his refraining from involvement in Gambian politics, in order to enable President Adama Barrow to govern without any hindrance. Jammeh has the belief that the three foreign organisations, in some way, violated this agreement, despite his maintained adherence to his pledge.
Despite having provided support and financial resources to help remove Wade from power in 2012, he held former President Sall responsible for his current political difficulties. However, Jammeh takes solace in the fact that his departure was more respectful compared to President Sall’s.
In addition, Jammeh said that prior to the 2021 presidential election, a leader from another African country came to visit him in Malibu. This leader brought a proposition from President Adama Barrow, who was seeking the endorsement of Jammeh’s political party (the APRC) for his bid to be re-elected. Jammeh expressed his agreement with the plan, emphasising that it aligns with democratic principles. However, he clarified that due to his absence from the nation and limited control over party operations, the negotiation should be entrusted to the party’s secretary general, Fabakary Tombong Jatta.
Sanè inferred that the collaboration between Fabakary Tombong Jatta’s APRC party and Barrow’s NPP party in 2021, which led to President Barrow’s victory and Jatta’s appointment as Speaker of The Gambia National Assembly, indicates a harmonious working relationship between Jammeh and Barrow.
Additionally, he claimed that Barrow and his administration had recently passed a bill, which the National Assembly had approved, to ensure that all former Gambian presidents, including the late Sir Dawda Jawara, would receive honorable retirement benefits despite calls for Jammeh’s prosecution. This encompasses a generous stipend, complimentary accommodations, sufficient transportation, government-provided protection, and all necessary amenities for a lifestyle after serving as president. Sanè failed to recognise that it is the administration of Barrow, not the international community, that is determined to prosecute Jammeh.
Sanè disputes the notion that the Gambian constitution permits the trial of Jammeh, as advocated by “international quarters” that propose the establishment of a hybrid court in a remote location in Africa, distant from The Gambia. When questioned about Jammeh’s potential return to The Gambia, Sanè was evasive but maintained that he believes President Adama Barrow will not pursue a third term in 2026 due to two primary factors. Initially, Barrow’s motivation to retain his position as president stemmed directly from the influence of former President Macky Sall and his administration. However, with Sall no longer holding power, Barrow’s ability to maintain his presidency has significantly diminished. Furthermore, if President Diomaye Faye abruptly withdraws the Senegalese military that have been present in The Gambia since 2017 and are crucial for the security of President Barrow and his cabinet, it could compel Barrow to step down as he heavily depends on them for national security.