Eight years after ECOWAS played a critical role in removing former Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh, the country faces growing political instability under President Adama Barrow.
Concerns are mounting that without urgent intervention, The Gambia could slide into further turmoil.
In 2017, ECOWAS mobilized military and diplomatic efforts to ensure Jammeh relinquished power after losing the 2016 election to Barrow. However, Barrow, initially hailed as a unifying leader, has been criticized for undermining democratic principles and using state mechanisms to secure his political ambitions. His controversial alliances, including a pact with Jammeh’s former party, have alienated key opposition figures and sparked unrest.
Barrow’s government, despite implementing some reforms like the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC), rejected the draft of a new constitution aimed at limiting presidential terms. Critics accuse him of prioritizing a third-term agenda over national reconciliation, creating deep divisions within Gambian society.
The Special Tribunal for The Gambia, established to address human rights violations during Jammeh’s rule, has also faced scrutiny. Observers suggest the tribunal may be more about attracting donor funding and consolidating Barrow’s power than delivering justice. Meanwhile, ECOWAS, tasked with overseeing parts of the tribunal, risks being distracted from its broader regional responsibilities.
Experts advocate for alternative justice models, such as the one used in the Central African Republic, which integrates national and international judicial resources. They stress that ECOWAS should focus on ensuring good governance and fostering national unity in The Gambia, rather than being entangled in divisive domestic politics.
As political tensions escalate, Barrow is urged to abandon self-serving policies and instead work toward sustainable peace and cohesion in The Gambia, setting an example for leadership in the ECOWAS region.
