By Binta Jaiteh
A fiery debate erupted in the National Assembly on Wednesday over former President Yahya Jammeh’s recent statements hinting at a return to The Gambia, with lawmakers sharply divided over whether his homecoming poses a threat to national security.
Sainey Jawara, lawmaker from Lower Saloum Constituency, brought up the issue, arguing that Jammeh’s statement was not only insensitive to the victims and their families but also created unnecessary tension and fear among citizens.
According to him, Gambia is still navigating the long and painful process of national reconciliation following the 22 years of dictatorship under former President Jammeh.
“Going by the findings of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), at least 240 persons were murdered by state agents under his rule. The Commission further recommended that the former president be prosecuted for murders, unlawful killings, rape, torture, and other serious crimes committed directly or indirectly during his tenure,” he said.
Hon. Jawara stressed that TRRC revelations directly implicated President Jammeh in serious human rights violations. “It is therefore alarming that he can now sit comfortably abroad and issue provocative and divisive statements, undermining our national unity and the rule of law.
NAM Jawara commended the government for its recent statement calling for a firm and unequivocal stance to put an end to former President Jammeh’s continued mobilisation of people and public statements that are unfriendly to national peace and stability.
“My message to the Gambian people is clear: Yaya Jammeh can never again be President of this country. The people of The Gambia are determined to defend their democracy and the values of justice, peace, and accountability,” he emphasized.
Contributing during a heated debate, NAM of Niamina Dankunku Samba Jallow said Jammeh didn’t have presidential power anymore.
“I think Jammeh should use a diplomatic channel to return to Gambia after serving as the president for 22 years. Rather than regionalizing people in Kanilai, which is seriously perceived as a threat,” he added.
NAM for Bakau, Assan Touray supports Jammeh’s return, but quickly adds that it should be based on the right procedure.
“The pronouncement of his homecoming is threatening. The manner he wants to come is that if it succeeds, it will be bloody. To avoid commotion, I think he should be advised,” Hon. Touray added.
Nominated member Fatou K Jawara challenged Jammeh to come but also reminded him of the consequences ahead.
“Jammeh cannot lead this country again. We should not even waste our time on Jammeh’s issue. He deserves to interact with monkeys in the bush.”
Bakary Badjie Foni Bintang NAM quickly raised a point of order, tasking the nominated member to avoid using offensive language.
However, Deputy Speaker Seedy Njie ruled out his point of order.
“Stop scamming the people of Foni to regain your seat. Scamming their constituency, they deserve better. We have fought against this tyrant. The democracy that Gambians have cannot be spoiled,” she alleged.
Pa Dembo Sanneh, No-To-Alliance member and lawmaker of Foni Bondali, rejects the claims of other NAMs, stating that Jammeh is a citizen and he deserves to return.
“Every person deserves a second chance to be heard. Jammeh should be allowed to testify for clarity. As we stand, all the allegations are baseless without his testimony,” NAM Sanneh reiterated.
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By Binta Jaiteh A fiery debate erupted in the National Assembly on Wednesday over former President Yahya Jammeh’s recent statements…
The post Heated Debate in Parliament Over Jammeh’s Possible Comeback appeared first on .
