By Fatou Dahaba
In a candid press conference on Wednesday, January 5th, former presidential aspirant and Social Democrats leader Marie Sock voiced her concerns over President Adama Barrow’s intention to seek a third term in the upcoming 2026 election. Despite the current Constitution’s lack of term limits, Sock urged President Barrow to step down to safeguard his integrity and legacy.
Sock argued that pursuing another term could jeopardize President Barrow’s dignity and respect as a former leader. She cautioned him against taking advantage of the Gambian people’s support and warned that those encouraging him to run might not have his or the nation’s best interests at heart.
“They are not there for you, nor for Gambians,” Sock stated, drawing parallels with former presidents Sir Dawda Jawara and Yahya Jammeh, who faced similar circumstances. She suggested that the people surrounding President Barrow might be manipulating him for their gain rather than strengthening his party.
Sock reminded President Barrow of his predecessor’s fate, who is currently in exile. ” You also want to go into exile?” she asked, emphasizing the importance of considering life after the presidency.
She urged President Barrow to critically assess his advisors and their motivations, suggesting that he and his family would ultimately bear the responsibility and consequences.
She called on President Adama Barrow to follow the example of former African leaders who have acted as mediators across the continent after their presidencies.
Sock encouraged Gambians to unite and rally behind a single candidate to challenge the current government, similar to the coalition effort in 2016 that ended Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year rule without bloodshed. However, she noted that no political party leader should be appointed as a minister this time, identifying it as a past mistake.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the current administration, Sock criticized the Spain-Gambia labor migration policy, describing it as evidence of the government’s failure to provide adequate opportunities for young people. She highlighted that many youths are desperate to leave the country for low-skilled jobs abroad, suggesting that the government could create better opportunities domestically.
Sock urged President Barrow to listen to the Gambian people’s concerns, emphasizing that his position depends on their support. She also critiqued The Gambia’s existing political party system, which she described as a colonial legacy that empowers a single leader.
Sock advocated for electoral and security reforms and broader systemic changes to advance the country.
She suggested President Barrow could distinguish himself by serving only two terms, a move unprecedented in Gambian history. She warned that extending his tenure could lead to regret if he loses the support of the Gambian people.
