Jammeh’s conspiracy-driven politics and his final desperate attempt to maintain political relevance. A dictator’s war of misinformation, playing a dangerous game by weaponizing falsehoods in his latest bid for significance.
Alagi Yorro Jallow
Fatoumatta: When despots fall, their most loyal weapon remains the manipulation of truth. Yahya Jammeh, Gambia’s disgraced former dictator, has resurfaced—not in a court of justice, but in the shadows of WhatsApp audio leaks, where conspiracy replaces fact and deception fuels division. His latest claims of Senegalese leaders “stealing Gambia’s oil” are not just reckless—they are dangerous, designed to stir diplomatic discord, rally misplaced sympathy, and distract from the reality of his own crimes.
But Gambia has moved forward, and West Africa cannot afford the indulgence of Jammeh’s delusions. The time for his manufactured outrages is over. What remains now is the pursuit of truth, justice, and accountability.
Fatoumatta: Yahya Jammeh, Gambia’s exiled former dictator, has once again inserted himself into the political discourse, using a leaked audio recording to push wild conspiracy theories and fuel diplomatic tensions between Gambia and Senegal. His accusations against Senegalese leaders—past and present—alleging the theft of Gambia’s oil reserves are not only baseless but reckless, posing a serious threat to regional stability.
Jammeh’s latest claims—targeting former Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade and current Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko—follow a familiar pattern of fear-mongering and misinformation. As he vows to “reclaim” Gambia’s oil, one must ask: Is this the desperate rhetoric of a man seeking relevance, or a calculated attempt to destabilize the fragile peace between two neighboring nations?
For two decades, Jammeh ruled Gambia through propaganda, suppression, and authoritarian control. His government thrived on fabricating narratives, manipulating public sentiment while silencing dissent through intimidation and force. Now, in exile, Jammeh appears determined to remain politically active, not to serve the Gambian people, but to protect himself from looming legal battles over charges of crimes against humanity, torture, summary executions, and rape—issues that he conspicuously ignores in his audio messages.
Rather than addressing the confiscation of his assets or his indictment by the Truth Commission, Jammeh continues to engage in petty political maneuvering, firing and appointing APRC party loyalists, while conveniently avoiding any discussion of his crimes against Gambians. His obsession with controlling his former political machinery underscores his continued desire to manipulate national discourse—even from exile.
Fatoumatta: While freedom of expression is a constitutional right, active political engagement by an exiled former head of state accused of severe human rights violations raises serious ethical concerns. A former president has the responsibility to step away from direct political interference, focusing instead on his legal battles, personal affairs, and potential philanthropic work. Jammeh’s blatant disregard for this principle not only undermines governance but confuses the public, creating conflicting narratives between the sitting president and a disgraced former leader.
If Jammeh truly cared about stability, he would refrain from criticizing the current administration, avoid meddling in diplomatic affairs, and respect Gambia’s sovereign leadership. Instead, he chooses to weaponize misinformation—attempting to rally political support under the guise of nationalistic outrage.
Fatoumatta: Jammeh’s continued interference in Gambian politics appears to be less about justice and more about self-preservation. With the possibility of an international tribunal looming, his political influence remains his last shield against prosecution. He understands that being politically relevant gives him leverage, making it harder for the government to fully isolate him.
However, history offers a different lesson. The late Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, Gambia’s first president, gracefully stepped away from politics, choosing dignity over disruption. Despite enduring political attacks from Jammeh himself, Jawara never retaliated—instead, he allowed his successor to govern without interference, preserving respect for the presidency and the democratic process.
Fatoumatta: The Adama Barrow administration must reject Jammeh’s distractions and focus on strengthening Gambia’s democratic institutions, ensuring economic and diplomatic stability. Jammeh’s inflammatory claims about Senegal are not the real issue—the real issue is ensuring his crimes are fully addressed through a transparent judicial process.
If Gambia’s leadership continues to allow Jammeh’s political manipulations to dominate discourse, they risk prolonging his influence and creating unnecessary tensions within the region. The best way to neutralize Yahya Jammeh is not through political retaliation but through effective governance—a government that prioritizes justice, transparency, and national progress over the shadows of dictatorship.
Fatoumatta: At this critical juncture, Gambians must see through the noise. Jammeh’s audio is not a revelation but an attempt to distract from his inevitable reckoning. The nation must reject conspiracy-driven politics and move forward, ensuring that Yahya Jammeh is remembered not as a crusader for justice, but as a failed dictator desperately clinging to relevance.
