Manneh Fears Gambia Could Descend into Dictatorship If…
By: Kemo Kanyi
The leader of the People’s Alliance Party (PAP), Ebrima Tabora Manneh, has expressed the fear that The Gambia could once again degenerate into a dictatorship if President Adama Barrow overstayed in power.
The PAP leader lamented that Mr. Barrow has so far failed to institute presidential term limit, adding that the President prioritizes the NPP interest over the national interest. Manneh stated that the Gambian leader has demonstrated that the interest of his party and its supporters supersedes the collective, national interest. This, Manneh argued, is a clear indication that President Barrow is in no mood to leave the stage any time soon. The PAP leader argued that Mr. Barrow could earn the respect of the international community if he steps down at the end of his second term in 2026.
Mr. Manneh maintained that it’s disappointing that the President expressed his intention to run for another term simply because he was not able to groom any competent successor in the country or within his party since its foundation, saying this has laid bare the inefficiencies of the Barrow administration. He insinuated that there is shortage of trustworthy and competent individuals in the nation’s governance structure.
“Absolute power corrupts absolutely. The longer you stay in power gives absolute power. This can push you into something that should not be done because you wouldn’t have anything that controls you. And if people or the opposition parties challenge your governance system, mostly that is when the use of force comes into play and a violation of laws in the process of taming the aggression against ruling government,” Manneh opined as he spoke with this reporter.
“Barrow should not stay in power beyond 2026 as that will mark the end of his second term as president. Our observation is that presidents are controlled by laws in countries with presidential term limits, unlike otherwise, when people want you to leave power, force is used against them and this is what makes dictatorship resulting from conflicts or standoffs against the ruling government,” he outlined.
He called on Gambians to respect the rule of law and defy the extension of President Barrow’s tenure by voting against the NPP government in 2026 presidential election to finally send the President into retirement.