A bench warrant has been issued in The Gambia for the arrest of Bemba Drammeh, who failed to appear in court to face charges of seditious intent. Drammeh, who had previously been granted bail, fled the country and did not attend his scheduled court hearing. He had previously claimed in an interview that the 2021 presidential election was rigged, and his absence has led to his bail being revoked.
The political climate in Germany is becoming increasingly challenging for migrants, including over 30,000 Gambians, due to the rising popularity of the far-right party, Alternative for Germany (AfD). The party, known for its anti-migrant stance, has recently distributed around 30,000 counterfeit "deportation" tickets, sparking nationwide outrage and comparisons to Nazi-era practices. Gambian migrant activist in Germany, Yahya Sonko, warns that the growing support for AfD could lead to stricter residency requirements and an increased risk of deportation for immigrant communities.
Sheriff Kijera, former chairman of the Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations, has called on the Barrow government to issue an international arrest warrant for former president Yahya Jammeh. This comes after Jammeh, currently in exile in Equatorial Guinea, released an audio declaring his intention to return to The Gambia, dismissing efforts to put him on trial. Kijera, now head of Accountability Project Gambia, has urged President Barrow to assure that Jammeh will be arrested and held accountable if he returns.
The political climate in Germany is causing concern for the Gambian migrant community, as the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) gains popularity with its anti-migrant stance. The party recently distributed around 30,000 counterfeit "deportation" tickets, sparking outrage and a criminal investigation. Gambian activist Yahya Sonko warns that the rising support for AfD could lead to stricter residency requirements and increased deportation risks for Gambians and other immigrant communities in Germany.
President Adama Barrow of The Gambia has responded to threats from exiled predecessor Yahya Jammeh, stating that if Jammeh returns to the country, he must face justice for alleged crimes committed during his 22-year rule. This comes after Jammeh, currently in exile in Equatorial Guinea, suggested in a recent speech that he would reclaim power upon his return. The Gambian government maintains that Jammeh can return as a citizen, but not to power, and must answer for his past actions.
President Adama Barrow of The Gambia has expressed his readiness to engage in direct talks with Ousainou Darboe, the leader of the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), amidst ongoing tensions between the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) and the UDP. The President emphasized the importance of national interests over political rivalries and reiterated his support for constitutional reforms, including presidential term limits. The move signals a potential shift in political engagement as the country seeks a new constitution that balances democratic governance with executive authority.