In a significant development for Gambia’s political landscape, President Adama Barrow and key opposition leader Ousainou Darboe reportedly held a closed-door meeting with African Union High Representative Dr. Muhammad Ibn Chambas on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. The discussions, shrouded in secrecy, centered on breaking the deadlock surrounding the 2020 draft constitution, a document critical to shaping the nation’s governance as the 2026 presidential election looms on the horizon.
A source close to the meeting, speaking to Alkamba Times, confirmed that the trio convened to address lingering tensions over the draft constitution, which Gambia’s National Assembly rejected in September 2020 amid contentious debates over presidential term limits and other reforms. The document, intended to replace the 1997 constitution from the Ex-President Yahya Jammeh era, has remained a flashpoint in Gambian politics, with Barrow and Darboe—once allies turned rivals—standing on opposing sides of the reform process.
While details of the outcome remain under wraps, the source hinted at a potential breakthrough, suggesting that the meeting aimed to forge a consensus on key sticking points to pave the way for the draft’s reintroduction. “The stakes are high with the 2026 election approaching,” the source noted. “Both sides know that resolving this could define the political playing field.”
The 2020 draft constitution, hailed by many as a progressive step toward democratic accountability, included provisions like a two-term presidential limit—a clause that sparked friction given Barrow’s eligibility to run again under the current constitution. Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has long accused Barrow of derailing the process to cling to power, a charge the president’s camp denies. Dr. Chambas, known for his mediation efforts across Africa, has facilitated dialogue between Gambia’s political factions since the draft’s initial failure.
Tuesday’s meeting follows a history of strained relations between Barrow and Darboe, who parted ways after Barrow sacked Darboe as vice president in 2019. The UDP leader has since positioned himself as a formidable challenger, finishing second to Barrow in the 2021 presidential election.
Political analysts see this encounter as a potential turning point, especially as Barrow’s National People’s Party (NPP) lacks the parliamentary majority needed to pass constitutional changes unilaterally.
Public reaction has been muted so far, with no official statements from the Barrow administration, the UDP, or Dr. Chambas’ office as of Wednesday morning. Gambians, however, are watching closely. The constitution issue has fueled years of debate, with citizens eager for a framework that ensures stability and fairness before the next election.
As the clock ticks toward 2026, the outcome of this secretive summit could either mend fences or deepen divisions in Gambia’s fragile democracy. The nation waits for word on whether a deal has been struck—or if the stalemate persists.
