Democracy in The Gambia stands at a crossroads. If President Adama Barrow pursues a third term in the upcoming 2026 election, the fragile hope we once had risks being shattered.
When Barrow was first elected in 2016, Gambians dared to dream again. After more than two decades under Yahya Jammeh’s oppressive dictatorship, Barrow promised change, freedom, and a fresh start for every Gambian. He pledged to serve only three years and then step aside for new leadership. Though he fulfilled many of his promises to strengthen democracy, he broke that sacred vow.
Now, nearly a decade later, President Barrow is pushing to remain in power — defying not only the spirit of democracy but also the trust he earned from the people.
While the absence of legal term limits technically allows him to run, The Gambia is far greater than any one man. It is a nation of people whose voices deserve to be heard and respected.
A Broken Promise
Barrow’s rise was built on the faith and loyalty of Gambians longing for true change. He was the beacon of hope, the promise of democratic renewal. Yet, by seeking a third term, he follows a troubling path — one that echoes the actions of former dictators who clung to power at any cost.
A Dangerous Pattern Across Africa
This story is all too familiar. Across the continent, leaders rewrite constitutions and bend laws to extend their rule — from Guinea to Côte d’Ivoire to Uganda. Such power grabs breed unrest, violence, and oppression.
The Gambia must not repeat this mistake. We must remember the dark days under Jammeh and refuse to return to them.
When one person stays in power too long, institutions weaken, trust erodes, and dissent is silenced. The government stops serving the people and becomes a tool for control.
It’s Time for Gambians to Rise
We cannot afford silence. We must stand up and reclaim our fundamental rights and freedoms.
Barrow’s bid for a third term is not progress. It is a step backward — a dangerous slide toward the authoritarianism we fought so hard to escape.
The Gambia is a young democracy. Its future belongs to its people, not to leaders who refuse to step down. Leadership must rotate, fresh voices must rise, and new perspectives must shape our nation.
Allowing President Barrow a third term sends a chilling message: democracy in The Gambia can be broken at the whim of those in power.
We need the full restoration of the 2020 constitutional draft to enforce a firm two-term limit for all presidents.
Gambians must unite and ask ourselves: if Barrow can ignore term limits, what else might he disregard?
This is more than politics — it is a matter of principle. Term limits exist to protect our freedom, promote peace, prevent abuse, and ensure smooth, peaceful transitions of power.
President Barrow’s third-term attempt threatens to undo the hard-won progress since Jammeh’s fall in 2016 and risks pulling us back into darkness.
Our Call to Action
The people of The Gambia — opposition parties, youth leaders, everyday citizens — must raise their voices loudly and clearly before it’s too late.
The 2026 election approaches, and our silence will be our undoing.
Because once democracy is lost, reclaiming it is a struggle that lasts generations.