By Momodou Gagigo
National Assembly Member for Foni Jarrol, Kebba Toumanding Sanneh, in a video published by ITM has delivered a strong and emotional defence of former President Yahya Jammeh, while raising concerns about what he described as “selective justice” in the country’s transitional justice process and political discourse since the change of government in 2017.
Speaking about his time in parliament and developments following the political transition, Sanneh said his position on post-2017 events and the treatment of Jammeh is not new to supporters of the former ruling party, insisting that many Gambians still question how key decisions unfolded after the presidential election results were first announced.
According to him, controversy began when the initial acceptance of election results was followed by what he described as a second announcement from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), which he argued created uncertainty and disagreement among stakeholders.
“When the results were first accepted and later another announcement came, concerns started to arise. People could not see eye to eye on what exactly had happened,” Sanneh said.
He added that under the Constitution, Jammeh had the right to challenge the outcome through the courts, but public reaction and political pressure shaped the direction events eventually took.
Sanneh argued that discussions around accountability after the political transition increasingly focused on Jammeh alone rather than addressing broader responsibility across institutions and individuals.
“In the National Assembly, many people thought we were defending President Jammeh personally. But what we were raising was concern about selective justice. It looked like a hunt for one man,” he said.
He further claimed that while several individuals were mentioned in testimonies related to past abuses, only a limited number faced serious consequences, while others remained in public service.
Sanneh also raised concerns about the handling of Jammeh’s assets.
“All his assets — I can tell you where they were before — but today most of them are gone. Everything has been taken,” he said.
The lawmaker questioned how recommendations from the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) would be implemented in a way that ensures fairness for all victims.
He argued that some victims of past violence — including families of soldiers killed during attempted coups — have not received equal recognition.
“Those families are victims too. If we are talking about justice, it must be justice for everyone,” he said.
Sanneh warned that unequal application of justice risks undermining reconciliation efforts.
“If we are not ready to treat everyone equal in the eyes of the law, this country will face serious problems in the future,” he cautioned.
Despite years in exile, Sanneh insisted that Jammeh remains a major political figure in The Gambia.
“Whether people like it or not, today the most popular politician in this country is President Jammeh,” he claimed.
He also suggested that continued political debate around Jammeh may be strengthening his influence rather than weakening it.
“All the noise around him is only making him more popular,” he said.
Sanneh defended what he described as development achievements during Jammeh’s presidency, pointing particularly to expansion in the education sector.
“When President Jammeh came in 1994, there were only about eight high schools in this country. Most of them were mission schools. That changed significantly,” he stated.
The Foni Jarrol lawmaker concluded by urging Gambians to approach politics without hostility and to focus on governance rather than personal rivalry.
“Politics should not be about enemies. It should be about openness and different strategies for developing the country,” he said.
He stressed that sustainable reconciliation depends on truth, fairness, and equal treatment under the law.
