By Omar Bah
The Gambia Action Party [GAP] has rejected attempts to dictate The Gambia’s political future from abroad, declaring that any return of former President Yahya Jammeh “should not be viewed negatively” and must be handled by Gambians through the country’s own laws.
In a strongly worded statement, GAP leader, Ousainou Yali Batchilly condemned remarks by human rights lawyer Reed Brody, who warned that a political alliance involving Jammeh’s possible return would put The Gambia’s accountability infrastructure to its “most dangerous test.”
He said GAP respects human rights and accountability, but drew a hard line on foreign influence.
“The Gambia is a sovereign nation, and its political future must be determined by Gambians — not foreign commentators or external political pressure,” he stated.
Batchilly said Jammeh remains a Gambian citizen.
“Any outstanding allegations must be addressed by competent, independent institutions according to the law,” Batchilly said. “But accountability must not become permanent political exclusion.”
He argued that justice and reconciliation are not mutually exclusive.
“People can change, repent, seek forgiveness and turn over a new leaf,” he said.
“Reconciliation does not mean forgetting victims, denying history or placing anyone above the law. It means confronting the past, respecting victims, allowing justice to take its lawful course, and creating space for forgiveness, redemption and national healing.”
The party said the true measure of Gambian institutions is their independence.
“The real test of our institutions is whether justice remains independent regardless of who returns, forms an alliance or wins an election,” he said.
Batchilly said GAP was not in politics to “sweet-talk anyone.”
“We are here to speak the brutal truth, defend our sovereignty and advocate for what we believe will heal and unite The Gambia,” he said.
“Let justice prevail. Let forgiveness breathe. Let reconciliation unite The Gambia.”