By Abdoulie Cham
When Yahya Jammeh ruled The Gambia for 22 years, fear was the currency of power. Families were torn apart, journalists silenced, and dissent crushed under the weight of a regime that thrived on intimidation. Now, Jammeh says he wants to return, and that single statement threatens to unravel everything Gambians have fought so hard to rebuild.
A Nation Still Healing
The Gambia is not just transitioning; it is healing. Victims of torture and unlawful killings are still waiting for justice. Mothers who lost sons to death squads still cry for answers. Jammeh’s return would reopen wounds that have barely begun to scar, turning reconciliation into a distant dream.
The Shadow of Violence
His loyalists remain active, and their rhetoric grows louder with every hint of his comeback. Imagine the streets filled with rival protests, communities split along political lines, and security forces caught in the crossfire. This is not speculation; it is a real and present danger.
Security Forces at a Crossroads
Under Jammeh, the military was his personal shield. Today, those same forces are tasked with protecting democracy. But old loyalties die hard. A single call from Jammeh could fracture the ranks, leading to chaos or even a coup. Can The Gambia afford that risk?
Justice on the Brink
For victims, Jammeh’s return is not just a political event; it is a betrayal. Transitional justice efforts would collapse overnight. Witnesses would be silenced by fear, and impunity would triumph over accountability. What message does that send to future leaders? That crimes against humanity can be forgiven if you wait long enough?
The Stakes Are Too High
This is not about one man’s homecoming; it is about the survival of democracy in The Gambia. ECOWAS and the international community must stand firm. The government must act decisively. Gambians deserve peace, not the return of tyranny disguised as nostalgia.
Call to Action
Gambians must raise their voices, peacefully but powerfully. Civil society, youth groups, and media must demand transparency and security guarantees. ECOWAS must reaffirm its commitment to protect democratic gains. And the government must send a clear message: never again will The Gambia be held hostage by fear.
The time to act is now. Silence is not an option. Democracy is fragile, and if Jammeh steps foot in Banjul, the cost will not be measured in headlines—it will be measured in lives, in shattered hopes, and in a nation dragged back into darkness.
By Abdoulie Cham When Yahya Jammeh ruled The Gambia for 22 years, fear was the currency of power. Families were torn apart, journalists silenced, and dissent crushed under the weight of a regime that thrived on intimidation. Now, Jammeh says he wants to return, and that single statement threatens to unravel everything Gambians have fought The Fatu Network
