Fabakary Tombong Jatta, speaker of the National Assembly and leader of the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction, has accused the United Democratic Party of targeting members of his party following the 2016 political transition.
Speaking at a nationwide consultation meeting in Sifoe, Jatta said tensions rose sharply after the defeat of former President Yahya Jammeh, describing the period as one of fear for APRC supporters.
“In 2017, when things got intense, especially with the U.D.P., they were hunting us down like meat,” he said.
“We tried to ensure that our small group was not destroyed because, at that time, everyone was afraid.”
He said the APRC’s response at the time was driven by survival, adding that many had expected the party to disappear after its electoral defeat.
“Many people believed the party would not rise again,” he said.
Jatta added that the party’s political calculations changed in 2021 following the split between President Adama Barrow and the UDP, which had been a key partner during the transition.
“We realized then that our main political challenge was not President Barrow, but the U.D.P.,” he said.
He further stated that there had been internal discussions within the APRC, including with Yahya Jammeh, on engaging the government to facilitate his return under agreed conditions.
He said the aim was to secure arrangements similar to those that allowed former President Dawda Jawara to return from exile.
“What we sought was for President Barrow to extend to him the same consideration he once extended to President Jawara,” he said.
“To return in peace, live in peace, and retain dignity.”
The UDP has not yet responded to the allegations.
