Recent events in Guinea Bissau, where instability once again threatens the democratic order, are a worrying reminder that political fragility remains a major challenge across the ECOWAS region. As someone who fought tirelessly for 22 years to help end dictatorship in The Gambia and restore democracy, I cannot remain silent while old patterns re emerge in our subregion.
Reliable information has surfaced indicating that former Gambian soldiers and elements linked to the Yahya Jammeh era, including individuals implicated in the TRRC report, have been attempting to destabilize The Gambia from across the border in Senegal.
These concerns have now been reinforced by the confirmed arrest yesterday of Sanna Manjang, one of the most notorious members of the Junglers, in Senegal. His apprehension is a major development in the pursuit of justice, considering his long record of alleged torture, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings during the former regime. This arrest demonstrates that impunity is narrowing and that coordinated regional security efforts can yield meaningful results.
However, while Manjang’s arrest is a significant victory for justice, it also highlights the broader and more dangerous context in which it occurred. His movements, associations, and recent activities reveal how remnants of the former regime continue to operate across borders. These developments mirror the threats unfolding in Guinea Bissau, underscoring a coordinated and dangerous network that ECOWAS must not ignore.
At a time when rumours about the possible return of Yahya Jammeh and his associates are circulating across social media and security networks, it is crucial that we protect the democratic gains our region has made. Any attempt to reintroduce individuals responsible for atrocities, disappearances, and systemic abuses represents an existential danger to our stability and our collective future.
I therefore reiterate my call for urgent international arrest warrants against Yahya Jammeh, his Junglers, and all former soldiers whose names clearly appear in the TRRC findings. Justice delayed is now justice threatening our national and regional security. ECOWAS, the African Union, and our international partners must act decisively, for accountability and for deterrence. In this regard, it is essential that both the United Nations and the African Union provide robust support to ECOWAS to help maintain and protect the significant democratic and political stability gains achieved across the region over the years.
As I stated on November 6th, the region is entering a period of growing uncertainty, and the only defence we have against coups, destabilization attempts, and democratic backsliding is strong leadership, respect for democratic norms, and trust in our institutions. ECOWAS must reaffirm its commitment to constitutional order, rule of law, and regional security cooperation.
The Gambia’s stability must never be taken for granted. We worked too hard and sacrificed too much to dismantle dictatorship, and we cannot allow the forces of chaos to rebuild what we collectively destroyed. The arrest of Sanna Manjang is a reminder of both the progress we have made and the risks that still threaten us.
In the coming days, I will continue engaging with the Gambian public, regional leaders, local and international media, and civil society actors to raise awareness about these threats. This is not a partisan fight, this is a regional call to safeguard peace, democracy, and the future of the next generation.
The ECOWAS region deserves lasting peace. The Gambia deserves protection from destabilizing forces. Our youth deserve a future free from fear, uncertainty, and political violence.
I urge all Gambians and ECOWAS citizens to remain vigilant, united, and committed to protecting the democracy we fought to achieve.
Signed,
Sheikh Sidia Bayo
Political Activist, Diplomat and Advocate for Democratic Governance
The Gambia
Recent events in Guinea Bissau, where instability once again threatens the democratic order, are a worrying reminder that political fragility remains a major challenge across the ECOWAS region. As someone who fought tirelessly for 22 years to help end dictatorship in The Gambia and restore democracy, I cannot remain silent while old patterns re emerge The Fatu Network
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