The Civic Scribe: Articles & Poems

BANJUL, The Gambia — In the bustling streets of Serekunda, where vibrant markets once buzzed with talk of The Gambia’s democratic renaissance, there now hangs a palpable sense of dread. The memory of Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year dictatorship—marked by death squads, torture chambers, and the ruthless suppression of dissent—remains raw. Yet, despite initial hopes for change, the country today stands at a precipice, threatening to slide back into the very darkness from which it emerged less than a decade ago.

When Adama Barrow assumed the presidency in 2017, following a historic electoral defeat of Jammeh, he promised a “New Gambia” founded on democratic principles, respect for human rights, and the rule of law. Initially, his administration made meaningful progress: establishing a Truth Commission to investigate the atrocities of the Jammeh era, repealing oppressive media laws, and reintroducing term limits meant to prevent the concentration of power.

But today, that promise remains perilously unfulfilled. Instead, The Gambia’s fragile democracy is under threat from the very leadership that pledged to safeguard it. President Barrow’s increasingly authoritarian tendencies—including his pursuit of a constitutionally dubious third term, the arbitrary arrest of journalists and protesters, and the stalling of critical justice reforms—risk returning this nation to the brutality of the Jammeh years.

The Ghosts of Dictatorship Past

Yahya Jammeh’s regime was characterized by grotesque human rights violations. His government was responsible for extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and systematic torture. Witnesses have testified about death squads, witch-hunts, and a fake HIV “treatment” program that preyed on vulnerable citizens. Women were particularly targeted, with numerous survivors recounting horrific stories of sexual violence perpetrated by Jammeh and his associates.

The Jammeh regime’s legacy is not just a historical footnote; it is a wound that has never fully healed. For families of the victims, justice remains elusive. The Memory House in Banjul stands as a powerful testament to the disappeared—a place of reflection where personal effects and photographs are displayed, reminding all Gambians of the price of dictatorship.

Democratic Promises Unfulfilled

Under President Barrow, The Gambia embarked on an ambitious reform agenda. The Truth Commission held years of public hearings, with hundreds of witnesses testifying about the abuses of the Jammeh era. Their final report included numerous findings and recommendations, among them the prosecution of Jammeh and his accomplices.

But the implementation of these recommendations has been slow and uneven. While the government accepted most of the proposals, victims have seen little in the way of concrete action. Reparations have not been adequately distributed, and prosecutions have been delayed, exacerbating the suffering of those who already endured so much.

Even more alarming has been Barrow’s retreat from democratic governance. A draft constitution that enjoyed overwhelming public support—including provisions for presidential term limits and parliamentary checks on executive power—was rejected by the National Assembly, largely because it would have limited Barrow’s own tenure. Then, more recently, the Assembly rejected another constitutional bill, this time one that critics argued was engineered by the executive to consolidate power and weaken oversight mechanisms.

Crackdown on Dissent and the Press

The signs of democratic backsliding are increasingly visible. Journalists have been arrested and charged with “false publication and broadcasting” after reporting on sensitive political matters. Although charges were eventually dropped following international pressure, the message was clear: critical journalism remains dangerous.

Similarly, Gambian police on several occasions have arrested protesters for “unlawful assembly” when they demonstrated against government appointments and flagrant, unchecked corruption. These incidents echo the Jammeh-era tactics of silencing dissent through intimidation and judicial harassment.

The Third-Term Ambition

Perhaps the most blatant indication of Barrow’s authoritarian turn is his push for a third term in office. The current constitution does not impose term limits, but a proposed draft that was rejected would have limited presidents to two five-year terms. Barrow’s insistence on extending his stay in power has sparked outrage among Gambians who fear a return to the lifelong presidencies that characterized Jammeh’s rule.

This move is especially troubling given The Gambia’s history. Jammeh, too, initially promised a brief transition to civilian rule but instead clung to power for over two decades, manipulating elections and suppressing opposition. Barrow’s actions suggest a similar inclination toward self-preservation at the expense of democratic norms.

Justice in Peril

The Gambia’s justice system, weakened by decades of dictatorship, remains ill-equipped to handle the complexities of democratic consolidation. Court officials have spoken openly about the challenges: outdated rules of procedure, a reliance on foreign judges due to the inability to attract and retain Gambian legal talent, and a lack of technological infrastructure that forces judges to record court proceedings by hand. These deficiencies slow down the judicial process and undermine public trust.

Moreover, the establishment of a special court to prosecute Jammeh-era crimes has stalled due to funding shortages and administrative delays. Without accountability, the cycle of impunity remains unbroken.

The International Community’s Role

The international community, which enthusiastically supported The Gambia’s democratic transition in 2017, must not remain silent now. Regional bodies and key donors have a responsibility to hold the Barrow administration accountable to its promises. This means conditioning financial aid on tangible progress in implementing justice reforms, supporting civil society organizations and independent media, and applying diplomatic pressure to prevent constitutional manipulations and human rights abuses.

International partners have supported critical initiatives, but this support must be coupled with stronger advocacy for justice and democratic governance.

A Path Forward

The Gambia’s democratic transition is not yet beyond saving. Civil society remains vibrant and resilient, and the public’s commitment to democracy is strong. As one activist whose family was victimized by the dictatorship noted: “Democratic elections are the most important thing for me. Through them, we can remove a dictator from power.”

To prevent a return to authoritarianism, the Gambian government must prioritize justice and accountability by fully implementing the Truth Commission’s recommendations, respect term limits and abandon efforts to manipulate the constitution for political gain, protect freedom of expression and assembly by ending the arbitrary arrest of journalists and protesters, and invest in judicial reform to strengthen the rule of law and rebuild public trust.

The Gambia today stands at a crossroads. One path leads back to the brutality and repression of the Jammeh era; the other toward a future where democracy, justice, and human rights are firmly entrenched. The choices made by President Barrow—and the willingness of the international community to hold him accountable—will determine which direction The Gambia takes. The world must not look away as Gambians fight to ensure their hard-won freedoms are not lost again.