Halifa E. Jarju, Public Relations Officer of the APRC “No to Alliance” faction aligned with former president Yahya Jammeh, has dismissed reports that members of the group’s executive were arrested. He said they went to the Brikama Police Station after receiving an invitation, not under detention.
“There were no arrests. Not a single executive member was taken into custody,” Jarju told JollofNews. “We only honoured an invitation from the police for a discussion.”
Jarju also addressed ongoing speculation about Jammeh’s possible return. He said the group has not been given any date. “No specific date has been set for former President Yahya Jammeh’s return,” he said. He added that Jammeh has the right to come back to The Gambia and that his homecoming should not be seen as a threat.
He encouraged Gambians to treat the issue as a chance to heal long-standing divisions. “Let’s look at this as an opportunity for genuine national reconciliation and a better Gambia,” he said, noting the faction’s position in favour of “No to Alliance.”
Jarju confirmed that a planned press conference was postponed after security officials advised them to shift the event. According to him, the authorities explained that President Adama Barrow would be in the West Coast Region as part of his “meet the people” tour, and asked the group to pick a different date.
“We agreed, as citizens who respect the law,” Jarju said. “We decided to issue a press release instead, and they had no objection.”
