The Return of Yahya Jammeh: April Fool’s Day Belongs in April, Not in October—A Constitutional Right and a Crucial Political Challenge for the APRC and Adama Barrow

By Alagi Yorro Jallow

Fatoumatta: Yahya Jammeh’s announced return is constitutionally justified but carries significant political risks. While the press release may raise eyebrows, his WhatsApp audio messages and recent threats leave little doubt about his intent. The government acknowledges his right to return, but the specter of accountability looms large.

On October 22, 2025, the APRC National Executive Committee made a bold and significant declaration. In a press release signed by Hon. Momodou Yafye Tamba, First Deputy Chairman and Party Leader, the APRC announced the return of its founding party leader, H.E. Sheikh Prof. Dr. Alh Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh, to The Gambia. This announcement, scheduled for October 26, is set to be a momentous event.

This audacious declaration aims to reassert Jammeh’s political footing and symbolic authority within his own party. However, beneath this formal announcement lies a civic tension that cannot be ignored. It is vital to recognize: Yahya Jammeh is a Gambian citizen. No law has stripped him of this status, and no legal framework prevents his return to his homeland. His self-imposed exile in Equatorial Guinea was a political decision, not a judicial punishment. Therefore, his anticipated return to Kanilai is not just a legal right—it is a constitutional entitlement. Nevertheless, this press release raises pressing questions that demand our attention:

Why now?

Fatoumatta: The timing of this announcement, just days before Jammeh’s rumored return, appears to be a calculated move to rejuvenate his leadership and gauge public sentiment. This strategic timing should alert us all, compelling us to analyze the evolving situation critically.

Is this document authentic?

Legally, Yahya Jammeh maintains his Gambian citizenship and faces no formal travel restrictions. However, the political implications of his return are significant and complex. Jammeh’s provocative WhatsApp messages, which threaten to reclaim control of the APRC and foretell a ‘day of reckoning,’ have understandably provoked unease, given his history of repression.

Historically, Jammeh has favored WhatsApp encrypted voice notes and informal channels for communication over formal press releases. The tone and formatting of this current document deviate sharply from his usual style, leading to suspicions that it may be a fabrication or a factional power play. This possibility compels us to approach the document with a healthy dose of skepticism.

Fatoumatta: The APRC has been fractured in recent years, with factions loyal to Jammeh on one side and others aligned with Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta and with Barrow on the other. This release may be a deliberate provocation by Jammeh loyalists, testing public reactions or signaling an internal consolidation of power. If any protocol exists, it is likely an informal non-aggression agreement aimed at preventing political destabilization ahead of the 2026 elections. The potential for Jammeh’s return to evoke a whirlwind of emotions is high, as his return promises to be an intensely emotional event.

In Kanilai and parts of Foni, he continues to be hailed as a revered figure, while in other areas, the victims of his past regime clamour for justice. This complex emotional landscape calls for empathy and understanding as we navigate the diverse reactions to Jammeh’s potential return.

Yahya Jammeh must face justice to confront serious allegations of corruption, torture, murder, and disappearances, including the tragic killings of schoolchildren, journalists, and migrants. The need for justice and accountability is paramount, and we must closely monitor the upcoming event in Kanilai.

Fatoumatta: If Jammeh appears in person, it could signify a significant shift in the political landscape. Conversely, if the announcement is made through a proxy, the hypothesis of a hoax gains traction. Notably, Jammeh has a history of using encrypted WhatsApp communication rather than formal announcements. The formal tone and structure of this release feel incongruous. Could this be a factional maneuver within the APRC or a strategic gesture designed to rally his supporters?

The call for supporters to “attend and support all functions” suggests a robust mobilization effort rather than mere commemoration.

Should Jammeh return, he will face a reality fraught with both recognition and accountability.

His legacy encompasses significant infrastructure development, yet is overshadowed by a history of severe human rights violations. While some may welcome him back to Kanilai as a prodigal son, the nation must confront him as a former head of state whose actions have left a deep and enduring imprint on The Gambia. This pivotal moment compels us to pursue civic clarity rather than succumb to emotional turmoil.

Fatoumatta: Yaya Jammeh’s return is not solely a legal matter; it poses a profound political challenge for the APRC, the Barrow administration, and every Gambian committed to truth, justice, and healing. Understanding this situation is essential for making informed decisions that will ultimately shape our collective future.