President Adama Barrow used a community meeting in Foni Bulock on Saturday to send some of his clearest messages yet about political authority, the future of former president Yahya Jammeh, and the stance of his government toward opposition factions.
Speaking during his ongoing “Meet the People Tour,” Barrow took aim at the APRC “No to Alliance” group, describing its members as misleading supporters while shifting their own political positions. He said some of those claiming to defend democracy were now contradicting their earlier stands.
Barrow stressed that the country cannot have parallel centers of authority. He warned that anyone who breaks the law will face consequences, adding that maintaining order requires a single, constitutionally recognised leader.
To draw a contrast with the previous administration, Barrow referenced a philosophy often attributed to Jammeh. He said Jammeh used to say the world has three days: yesterday, today and tomorrow. Barrow added that the Jammeh period belongs to the past and that the mandate now rests with him. As the elected president, he said he holds the same constitutional powers Jammeh once had.
Barrow went further, rejecting any suggestion that Jammeh could return to political leadership in The Gambia. He said Jammeh has no influence within the country and no allies capable of restoring him to power. According to Barrow, Jammeh’s situation in Equatorial Guinea is highly restricted. He said the former president lives on an island in Malabo and cannot leave without permission from security officials. Barrow added that without proper travel documents, Jammeh would not be able to re-enter The Gambia.
Addressing local voters directly, Barrow cautioned residents of Foni Bulock about remaining in permanent opposition. He told them that aligning indefinitely with opposition groups would keep them on the margins of national decision-making.
The president’s tour continues across the country as he works to strengthen support for his administration and set out his version of national progress following the end of Jammeh’s 22-year rule.
