President Adama Barrow delivered one of his most forceful speeches yet during a sparsely attended stop on his 2025 “Meet the People” tour in Foni Bondali, challenging what he described as the region’s long-standing loyalty to the opposition.
Speaking to residents on Friday evening, Barrow questioned why Foni continues to distance itself from his administration despite what he called the highest level of investment the area has ever seen. The West Coast region has a long history of backing former leaders, including Sir Dawda Jawara and Yahya Jammeh, but has remained largely resistant to Barrow’s government.
Barrow addressed that sentiment head-on, taking aim at the enduring influence of former President Yahya Jammeh, who hails from Foni. He told the crowd that Jammeh’s political era is over and will not return.
“He will remain a former president,” Barrow said, describing Jammeh’s time in power as permanently behind the country. He dismissed any possibility of a political comeback for the ex-leader, who has lived in exile since 2017.
In a rare comparison with his predecessors, Barrow said his administration has delivered more to Foni than both Jawara and Jammeh combined. He pointed to new roads, expanded electricity coverage, and other infrastructure projects as evidence of his government’s commitment to the area.
The president argued that his development agenda is not influenced by politics or party lines, saying his priority is to ensure citizens across the country benefit from national projects. He expressed confidence that Foni would eventually recognise these efforts and shift its political stance.
Whether that shift comes soon or not, Barrow said his government will continue with its programmes in the region. He ended his address with a pointed message that Foni “will feel it sooner or later” as national development moves forward.
The remarks marked one of Barrow’s strongest public challenges to the region since taking office and signaled his intention to confront long-standing political divisions as the country heads toward another election cycle.
