By: Binta Jaiteh
Sheikhna Faal, the former press secretary of the Gambia Action Party (GAP), has articulated that many Gambians continue to support former President Yaya Jammeh, attributing this sentiment to perceived deficiencies in President Barrow’s governance.
In an exclusive interview with The Voice Newspaper, Faal recognized that while Jammeh is often characterized as a dictator and an ineffective leader, a significant number of citizens are starting to recall his tenure positively. He stated:“During his time in office, substantial changes occurred across various sectors of the country, including infrastructure, healthcare, and education.”
Faal posited that the popularity of Jammeh’s recent audio message can be explained by the alignment of his remarks with the current challenges facing the nation.
“It is unfortunate that many citizens view Jammeh as a superior leader compared to Barrow; this perspective is largely attributed to the government’s inability to manage the increasing incidents of violence. Citizens are expressing frustration with the prevailing circumstances, which diverge from their expectations following the elections. There has been no significant progress,” he lamented.
He urged President Barrow to take into account the hardships experienced by Gambians, noting that numerous issues have persisted since Jammeh’s administration.
“Barrow’s government is, in fact, perceived to be worse than that of Jammeh,” he asserted.
Faal acknowledged that while Jammeh is cognizant of his inability to contest future elections, his public statements continue to resonate with citizens, creating a desire among some for his return to political office.
He remarked, “During Jammeh’s administration, issues related to security, sovereignty, freedom, and crime rates were significantly mitigated. In contrast, the past few years have witnessed alarming increases in robbery and murder cases. When will this situation improve?”
Faal also highlighted the increasing costs of basic commodities and the depreciation of the national currency, stating: “The value of our currency in comparison to others is exceedingly low, which is disheartening.”
He elaborated on the absence of government measures to address the escalating prices of essential goods.
“It is imperative for citizens to recognize that the current administration appears to offer limited solutions. As elections approach, I strongly urge all Gambians to exercise their voting rights thoughtfully in order to safeguard the future of our youth,” he concluded.
