A former Prominent Journalist and Political activist, Fatou Jaw Manneh, has officially announced her candidacy for President of The Gambia in the 2026 elections, unveiling an ambitious platform centered on dignity, opportunity, and prosperity for all Gambians. Her public announcement today outlines a vision to transform the nation through sweeping reforms in healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance, while prioritizing women, youth, seniors, and the diaspora.
Manneh’s campaign, branded under the slogan “Dignity and Opportunity for All Gambians,” promises transformative policies. For women, she pledges monthly financial support, free healthcare for women and children, and robust backing for female entrepreneurs. Youth are pledged to free education from primary school through college and vocational training, transportation support, and worker salary increases. Men are positioned as pillars of family and nation, committed to skills training, fair wages, and comprehensive healthcare.
Her agenda extends to agriculture, aiming for food self-sufficiency through farmer empowerment, subsidies, and modern equipment, focusing on women and youth farmers. In fisheries, Manneh vows to protect Gambian waters from illegal foreign fishing, ensuring affordable fish for locals and supporting fishermen with modern tools. Land rights are a cornerstone, with promises to safeguard communal and traditional lands from corruption and foreign exploitation.
Manneh also emphasizes diplomacy, envisioning a new generation of educated Gambians restoring pride on the global stage. For the diaspora, she commits to voting rights, dual citizenship eligibility for high office, and the repeal of unfavorable laws. Her security reform agenda includes modernizing forces with accountability and combating crime, while economic policies focus on ending mismanagement, ensuring fair compensation, and responsible resource use.
“I am running to restore dignity, opportunity, and prosperity to The Gambia,” Manneh declared. “Together, we will make a fresh start.” She plans to release a detailed policy document to expand on these commitments in the coming months.
However, her announcement has sparked mixed reactions. Fatu Camara, a prominent journalist and founder of the Fatu Network, sharply criticized Manneh, stating, “Fatou Jaw who? We are not doing any hateful individuals in 2026. It would be necessary for Fatou Jaw to seek therapy first before we consider her. I have never seen a human being as hateful as Fatou Jaw. I would love to see a female candidate, but definitely not her.” Camara’s remarks highlight a potential challenge for Manneh in winning over influential voices.
Manneh’s entry into the presidential race introduces a bold, reform-driven candidacy, but her ability to navigate criticism and unify diverse factions will be critical as the 2026 election approaches. With promises of inclusivity and systemic change, Manneh aims to reshape The Gambia’s future, though her campaign faces early hurdles in public perception.
