Former Executive Secretary of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), Dr. Baba Galleh Jallow, has raised concerns over President Adama Barrow’s reported bid for a third term, warning the latter against such a move.
Dr. Jallow says President Barrow running for a third-term is a contentious issue overshadowing The Gambia’s transitional justice (TJ) progress.
In an opinion article, Jallow referred to a recent meeting of the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) held in the United States, where “Spotlight Documentary” on The Gambia’s transitional justice process was screened. The session also featured remarks from Gambia’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dawda Jallow, on progress and challenges in implementing TJ reforms.
According to Baba, participating ambassadors from member and non-member states of the PBC commended The Gambia’s transitional justice process, describing it as a model of international best practice. He said several diplomats called for continued political commitment and pledged support for its consolidation.
He notes that Gambian transitional justice practitioners are increasingly invited to international forums to share experiences from the country’s post-authoritarian reform process following the end of former president Yahya Jammeh’s rule in 2017.
However, Jallow said discussions on The Gambia’s democratic transition are often accompanied by questions regarding President Barrow’s political future, particularly his intention to seek another term in office.
He described the issue as an “elephant in the room” during international engagements, arguing that while diplomatic protocol prevents direct reference to it, the matter remains a point of concern among observers of The Gambia’s political transition.
Jallow argued that the debate over a possible third term raises broader questions about political commitment to democratic renewal and the objectives of transitional justice, including accountability, institutional reform, and prevention of authoritarian relapse.
He further stated that term limits were a central demand during The Gambia’s political transition and a key expectation of citizens who supported the 2016 coalition that ended Jammeh’s 22-year rule.
According to him, the absence of clear term limits in the current constitutional framework continues to generate debate about the sustainability of democratic gains.
Jallow cautioned that prolonged tenure in office by any leader could risk undermining public confidence in reforms and reversing progress achieved since 2017. He added that transitional justice lessons should apply not only to past abuses but also to current governance practices.
He concluded that the direction of The Gambia’s democratic transition depends on adherence to principles of accountability and political restraint, stressing that the outcomes of transitional justice are intended to prevent a return to authoritarian governance.