Women politicians in Gambia

"We need change because the APRC regime has failed Gambians, leading a country facing economic hardship, unlawful arrests and detentions, and high youth unemployment."

"I urge all Gambians to actively participate in the elections to vote out the APRC regime."

"The broom is a bundle of sticks bound together, with each stick representing an individual Gambian or group of Gambians who, while maintaining their individuality, are united in purpose. Together, they aim for one goal—to bring change and progress, symbolizing the unity and shared aspirations of the Gambia."

"Over the past two decades, I have traveled across this country, meeting hardworking men and women in cities, towns, and villages. I have listened to your frustrations and am deeply inspired and motivated by you, the people of Gambia, and by your desire for change despite immense economic hardship and limitations on our freedom and personal liberty."

"I have witnessed a Gambia in decline, with deteriorating institutions where those in authority misuse state power to spread fear and hopelessness among the people. Today, Gambians are not free to express their thoughts; fear and terror, fueled by the abuse of state power, have taken such a hold that most people look over their shoulders before they speak."

"If elected, I am committed to serving only a single five-year term, working alongside all those with the capability and dedication needed to rescue Gambia as it stands on the brink of collapse."

"I want us to create a Gambia that embraces the hearts and minds of all Gambians in the Diaspora, including those who left due to the hardships, persecution, fear, and abuses they experienced as private citizens, entrepreneurs, academics, politicians, and artists. More than anything, I envision a new Gambia marked by economic prosperity, freedom, the rule of law, peace, and stability."

"Twenty years of APRC rule has deprived them of opportunities to fulfill their aspirations and achieve their goals. The jobs, quality education, healthcare, and decent living their country failed to provide have driven many to risk everything by crossing the treacherous Mediterranean, where tragically, many lose their lives."

"Your votes have the power to defeat the APRC and are the tools to bring about the change you desire."

"We will encourage and motivate the private sector to create opportunities for young people to earn a decent living and achieve their dreams. We must protect The Gambia for our children and future generations, and open doors to development."

"The human rights framework will remain central to our approach as we work to restore the dignity and integrity of all Gambians and those who choose to live in The Gambia. We are committed to democracy and good governance as we tackle the emerging challenges facing the state, ensuring that The Gambia takes its rightful place in the world."

"When the government of the First Republic was unconstitutionally overthrown in a military coup in 1994, Yahya Jammeh, then a young officer, claimed he wanted to end self-perpetuating rule and criticized what he called the extravagant lifestyle of the previous regime. However, in an ironic twist, he amended the constitution to remove term limits without consulting the people, allowing himself to remain in power for twenty years."

"I reject any call to transform The Gambia into an Islamic State, which seeks to divide us and pit us against one another. I will defend and strengthen the secular republican nature of our constitution, ensuring that every Gambian is free to practice their religion according to their beliefs. In a Gambia where democracy, good governance, and human rights prevail, I will restore the pride and spirit of the 'Smiling Coast' for all its people."

"I am unable to make any decision at this time,"

""I need to return to the people to consult with them."

"I want to make it clear to the world that all these efforts are aimed at promoting democracy in The Gambia, because we all seek change, and those in the diaspora also desire positive change for our country."

"I did not pull out of the coalition; what actually happened is that I was sidelined. I joined with the intention of working in unity to achieve the common goal of bringing change to The Gambia—so that we could build a young generation ready to take on leadership and responsibility in the future, while creating an environment that enables the people to thrive."

"I have not shared them with the public because I believed it was an internal matter. It was important for us to address these issues privately, as it is all about promoting good governance, managing the process, and working as leaders to move The Gambia beyond its current situation."

"During that meeting, after making my presentation, there were comments. I took them into consideration, and when I returned the third time, I brought everything they suggested, as I believed it was critical, important, and addressed the need at hand."

"I was sidelined, marginalized, and discriminated against, but that didn’t affect me because I believed I joined this space to advance democracy for the people."

""I explained that I am available and still a reliable option they can trust. I am here to work for the country's progress, not for personal gain."

"I entered the presidential race as an independent candidate to champion the will of the people, addressing the concerns of Gambians both at home and in the diaspora."

"Despite all my efforts, I realized that I was not being recognized within the space. I understood that it was the same trust or lack thereof, that has existed for 22 years, a longstanding mistrust between the parties, and that this same feeling was now being directed towards me."

"I have come to understand the nature of the system during the process. Although I was present, it was unfair and undemocratic; there was a lack of transparency, and I was marginalized for not being included in it."

"For you to hold a convention that I was supposed to be part of, and then only present the document meant to legitimize my participation afterward, shows that we are not promoting good governance."

"We are not upholding transparency and accountability. If we begin like this, it's a non-starter, because we aim to bring about positive change."

"I was kept in the dark throughout the process, despite making every effort to fully participate. However, Mrs. Fatoumatta Tambajang, for reasons unknown, was not forthcoming."

"I am Dr. Isatou Touray, an independent candidate running for the office of President of the Republic of The Gambia."

"Over the past two decades, I have traveled across this country, meeting hardworking men and women in cities, towns, and villages, and listening to your stories and aspirations."

"I have also heard your frustrations, and I am inspired and motivated by you, the Gambian people, and your strong desire for change despite the severe economic hardships and the restrictions on our freedom and personal liberties."

"Driven by a profound concern for The Gambia and a commitment to our nation's progress, free from repression, abuse, impunity, and persecution, I have closely observed the current situation over the years."

"Those in power are ignoring calls for political and economic reform. The conditions for political participation have been designed in a way that limits political pluralism, leaving many feeling powerless. Excessive power is concentrated in the hands of a few, and we need a new approach to governance that includes the people in decisions that impact them. Decision-makers are often not held accountable for their actions on behalf of others."

"If elected, I will restore the sovereignty of the people, end impunity, and decentralize power and authority. I am committed to serving only one term, during which I will collaborate with all political parties and Gambians who are ready and willing to guide the country in a direction that addresses the needs and aspirations of the people."

"In this mission, I seek your support to help build a brighter future for our country."

"My son, even if you bring a Holy Quran here, I will tell you it’s not true. If you ask the president, he too will tell you it’s not true. People have spread lies about me, but I forgive them. I know who fabricated those lies, but as a Muslim, I have forgiven them. I am pleased that His Excellency President Barrow has learned the truth. He stood by it and invited me on the 16th of August. We discussed the letter, and it was never something I wrote."

"Removed and replaced with a note that I had no knowledge of. I looked into what went wrong, uncovered the truth, and identified those involved, and His Excellency President Barrow was aware of this."

"I want to clarify to the nation that the letter of recommendation I sent to UNEP through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was altered. It has been alleged that certain key figures within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plotted against her, fabricating reasons to orchestrate her removal from the Barrow Administration."

"I have no resentment over being relieved of my cabinet position; I could never feel angry, as His Excellency President Barrow respects me now more than ever. President Barrow knows I have served this country with dedication, and I love my country deeply. I am willing to go anywhere I am called upon to serve. A true leader should never be driven by anger; when you act impulsively, you lose the essence of leadership. As a leader, you must stay humble, fear Allah, and lead by example. When you do this, everything else will fall into place."

"Many people have lost their lives here—not only Solo Sandeng; there are so many others. There are countless unsung heroes, and I will honor each one of them. His Excellency Adama Barrow also acknowledges those who have served and sacrificed, even if they aren’t here to witness this day."

"The economy is now growing, and what we want to see next is the start of decentralization efforts for the benefit of the people. These changes will take time, so I urge the public to be patient and support the government’s initiatives in whatever small ways they can, for the greater good of the country."

"Gambia is deeply grateful to Nigeria for its support. Without Nigeria's assistance, Gambia would face significant challenges."

"The success lies in having an independent mediator, respected by all political parties and with whom I have good relations. Gambia is a close-knit country, and through my professional life, both within and outside the UN, I’ve interacted with many of them. People here see me as a mother figure, recognizing that I have no political ambition beyond uniting them. My only agenda is The Gambia, without any political affiliation or interest. This neutrality, along with the respect and trust from political leaders, made it possible. No single person can claim responsibility for creating the coalition—it was supported by both the sub-region and the wider region. These key factors are what made it successful."

"I have never been a member of the UDP. Initially, I supported them because of their united front. As Ousainu Darboe mentioned at the UDP congress in 1996, they formed a coalition, and I supported the national front. The reason I was often seen with UDP was due to the crises surrounding them, but I visited and collaborated with all parties. I consulted with many, including the female candidate. My presence with UDP did not make me a member. Early on, I did help prepare the UDP manifesto with the late Sidia Sagnia, but I did so as a national leader dedicated to advancing the political process. Nowhere will you find a membership card showing I belong to the UDP. I have the constitutional right to join any party, but I believe we should focus not on political ambition but on the country’s needs. With my experience and abilities from my work with the UN, it was meaningful for me to support the United Front."

""The administration is progressing relatively well, especially given what we inherited. After 22 years of dictatorship, resources were drained by the dictator, his administration, and allies. When we assumed office, the coffers were empty, so we had to quickly secure budget support from partners like the EU, World Bank, the United Nations, and allies such as the US and the African Union."

"Amid these challenges, our first priority was to create a robust National Development Programme covering 2018 to 2021. This program was developed with input from civil society, media, government, and international partners. Previously, there was only the PAGE plan. Our government successfully championed the national development plan in Brussels, where President Barrow, whom God chose as our leader, secured 1.4 billion euros for its implementation."

"This process will take time, and patience and tolerance are essential given the difficult circumstances we started from. The forward path has also begun to take shape. For instance, the Ministry of Finance has sustained partnerships with the international donor community for budget support and economic assessment. Currently, we are seeing some economic growth tied to a reform agenda. Critics often claim that the government blames our 'inherited bankrupt economy' and Jammeh for underperformance. However, Jammeh has only been out of office for nearly two years, and it’s important to understand the context. When we took office, we faced a severe brain drain, as many of our skilled professionals had left due to political persecution or economic hardship. This created a capacity deficit, which is a major factor in governance, especially democratic governance, where engaging all stakeholders is critical yet challenging. I don’t shy away from acknowledging the government’s difficulties and challenges—I am part of them and remain within the coalition government. However, it's crucial to consider these underlying issues when assessing the successes and challenges of our administration.""

"I would rate him fairly well, giving President Barrow a 60%, considering the challenges he inherited and the current situation. We have the resources, but the capacity is lacking. The issue of peace and stability was a major concern from the start. There were numerous crises that he had to manage, which led to sleepless nights for him and many of us. We had to ensure social cohesion, dealing with incidents like the Faraba case, the Busumbula youths, and the doctors’ strike—things were sporadic, changing from one issue to the next. Barrow is a very peaceful man, regardless of where I stand. As a believer, I speak the truth because that’s what matters in the end, and that’s what I’ll be accountable for. We have a leader who needs our support. Coming from the private sector, he had no previous experience in public service. That in itself deserves credit, as he assembled a cabinet of people from various disciplines. Within one year, his government managed to stabilize the economy, which was in disarray, and stabilize the country amidst various factions, including an active APRC. When we took over, the private sector was in a dire state, burdened by high taxes and a lack of incentives to promote growth and create jobs. Civil society and the media were disillusioned, so we had to reignite the sense of citizenship and work towards rebuilding the country."

"No, I never had the intention to be foreign minister. His Excellency never offered me the position, and I never asked for it. I had no ambition for any particular role. My focus was on ensuring that he had a strong cabinet, and I supported him in that process. He consulted all the political leaders and offered positions to them. For me, political leaders are more important than any position. It’s never been about the role itself. If it were about positions, I would have gone back to the UN or pursued another opportunity, as I have the qualifications. While I’m not perfect, I would have sought higher roles if it were about personal gain. Now, if positions didn’t matter, why did I hold onto the vice president position for so long when I knew my age was a factor? Why didn’t I step aside? I could have said, 'I’ve helped remove Jammeh, that’s enough,' but I chose to stay, even though The Gambia was without a full-time vice president. It's good you asked. I’ve often consulted with the president about stepping down, suggesting that my ambition was to support him in any role other than vice president. I even suggested some names for the vice president role, and he is a living witness to this. But people don’t fully understand me. The president told me that, as far as he and the country are concerned, I deserved to be vice president—not for personal reasons, but because of my background and experience. He said this when he swore me in. He didn’t appoint me because I was the chair of the coalition. He chose me because of the trust, my expertise, and my contributions to the coalition."

"He was firm in his belief and conviction that I was the right candidate to support him at that time."

"Constitutionally, you can oversee a position, and that’s why it’s important for people to understand their constitution, as it is the foundation that governs the country. You can assume oversight in cases such as when someone passes away in office, and an eligible person can step in. But when it comes to constitutional amendments, let’s be clear: am I the one benefiting from the changes? If the constitution hadn’t been amended, would Honourable Ousainu Darboe be vice president? Would we have had competent lawyers like Sourahata Janneh and others on the commission? We need to look beyond individual interests and focus on what’s best for the country."

"This constitution, after all, was designed by former President Jammeh primarily for his own benefit. For 65 years, we’ve been signatories to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and various other human rights agreements. Article 16 of the Universal Declaration says there should never be discrimination based on age, gender, race, or religion. So, imposing an age limit is inherently discriminatory, and globally, no country has such a limit in their constitution. What truly matters is the competence and loyalty of an individual, and this is the way forward. Similar situations occurred in Southern Africa, such as in Zambia in 2008 when Rupiah Banda became president. A few years into his presidency, a law was passed banning people over 70 from running for office, specifically targeting the main opposition leader, Michael Sata, who was 71, just three years younger than President Banda. It wasn’t just The Gambia that faced such challenges. While you say the law was Jammeh’s, I agree that there are both good and bad laws in his system. Some of the laws are, in fact, beneficial, regardless of where I stand. I want to be straightforward and truthful. My priority is the Gambia’s agenda, not personal interests. On the global stage, The Gambia must align with the United Nations and the world at large. Our participation in the UN General Assembly is part of that, and we learn from global practices. However, we must ensure that we follow democratic principles. The reason for our transition is to establish democratic governance where everyone feels included and has a voice, and where laws protect the human rights of both individuals and communities."

"Not really, I don’t see things that way. My life has always been one of faith. I believe that what God has destined for me is what I am living now, and I accept it until I return to Him. Every stage of my life has been defined by Him. I was happy to serve and support President Barrow fully—100 percent. I am confident that if you spoke to him, he would confirm that I always gave him the support he needed. I have been completely loyal to him and to my country. What matters to me is that I swore on the Holy Qur’an to be loyal to my country, support my president, and serve the people of The Gambia. That is exactly what I did. The president holds me in high regard, and he has said so both in my presence and at various forums. I worked closely with him, and he still has confidence in me, which is what truly matters. If I had left due to violating the constitution, I would have felt embarrassed, but I never felt betrayed. I leave everything in God’s hands. He created me and has given me what is meant for me. Being a believer, I view this as a test from God, a way for me to grow closer to Him. I have never been closer to God than I am now, and I will never hold any grudge against President Barrow. My participation in many programs, such as the TRRC, is evidence of that."

"Yes, I felt I needed time to reflect on it. Having worked with the UN, I reached a level beyond that of an ambassador. We have to be realistic—I don’t have a sense of entitlement. I was beyond the rank of ambassador, and returning to the UN mission in that capacity would have felt like a demotion for me."

"Although there have been occasional doubts about the United Nations' continued relevance, its reputation as the most effective platform for addressing global issues has never been contested."

"They give me an update on the situation, but I can't recall the decisions made because it's been so long. Due to the emergency, we do not keep minutes. An army could be sent out by Babucarr Jatta without my knowing."

"but on issues of overall benefit to The Gambia. So I am not going to see myself as a representative of the women folk but of The Gambian populace"

"I felt lonely when I looked back and did not see many women in Parliament, we need more"

"I will always give GAMCOTRAP my support and you can count on me. I believe in your mission and objectives and I will always be with you. I believe in the mission because the cause is genuine."

"Women’s development and the empowerment of young people in the capital city Banjul will continue in my second term. We also have housing projects for women. What I always want is to ensure that the difficulties women of Banjul and the country at large are encountering become the things of the past. We will do everything possible in ensuring that women of Banjul and the country in general are economically empowered and their livelihoods significantly change."

"When I was elected as mayor in 2018, I made sure that I worked tirelessly in implementing my manifesto which addresses women empowerment, health, education and culture among others. What we did when we came in 2018 was to transform, restructure and reposition the council to one of the best area councils in the country. BCC was just like a political bureau before we came into power. I can now tell you that the council is now repositioned and we have now transformed it to a better. institution. We now have qualified procurement officers, record offices among others."

"Changing the minds of many women to understand that we are the kingmakers is a big achievement."

"We also focused on culture given the fact that culture is part of Banjul. We thus take a key role in supporting cultural groups in the city as well as also supporting religious groups in Banjul."

"we employ a qualified financial director. These were all not happening before we came into power. This gives value to what we are doing. In fact, there was no water and electricity and the council was heavily indebted. However, with my team, we were able to manage and pay the debts which were amounting to millions."

"You also have seen from the Women’s led cities that One million dollars are given to women every five years. Therefore, BCC will receive one million dollars every year. Also in the area of youth development, we have planned to send some young people outside the country for training among others."