Focus on Africa The Gambia: Can ex-President Jammeh return home?
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Oct 30, 2025 Ishioma Imokai-Bello, a Nigerian business analyst, discusses the impact of the FATF delisting on African economies, highlighting benefits like increased foreign investment and improved market perceptions. Frederick Tendeng, a local Gambian journalist, explores the political dynamics surrounding Yahya Jammeh’s planned return, analyzing public sentiment and the government's strong stance on potential prosecutions. Yvette Twagiramariya sheds light on the humanitarian crisis in Somaliland due to severe drought, emphasizing the dire situation facing vulnerable populations.
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Return Deepens Political Divisions
- Yahya Jammeh's announced return reignites deep national divisions rooted in his 22-year rule and alleged human rights abuses.
- Frederick Tendeng says Jammeh times his threats to exploit pre-election tensions and incomplete accountability mechanisms.
Don't Assume Any Amnesty Exists
- The Gambian government rejects claims of any amnesty or binding immunity for Jammeh and clarifies only an unsigned 2017 declaration exists.
- Authorities advise that legal accountability remains possible and should not be dismissed as settled.
Embedded Influence Could Destabilise
- Jammeh retains embedded influence across security and social networks despite exile, making his return politically potent.
- Frederick Tendeng warns weak institutional reforms and slow justice increase risks of instability if he returns.