Former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, currently exiled in Equatorial Guinea, recently denied involvement with an individual allegedly making online seditious threats and accused the current Adama Barrow government of fabricating information. Jammeh issued a statement distancing himself from Angel Sillah, who is accused of online sedition. In his statement, Jammeh asserted that "as a patriot, he will never enter a complot with anyone to destabilise The Gambia and be the architect of mayhem in the country that could lead to the death of children and Gambians becoming refugees in foreign lands." Jammeh also claimed the Barrow government deployed military drones to shoot people gathering firewood. This specific statement by the former president marked a direct response to ongoing accusations and served to clarify his position regarding the individual and the alleged threats.
Denials and Counter-Accusations
Former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, speaking from his exile home in Equatorial Guinea, issued an audio statement on Friday denying any association with Angel Sillah. In this audio statement, Jammeh specifically declared that he does not know Angel Sillah. He further clarified that he does not subscribe to Sillah's utterances, effectively disavowing any alignment with the content of the alleged seditious threats. Jammeh asserted that he does not know Sillah and does not endorse his pronouncements. The former president also stated unequivocally that Sillah is not a member of his political party, further solidifying his disassociation from the individual and his actions. This clear denial aims to sever any perceived ties between the former president and the individual accused of making online seditious threats.
Jammeh's denial comes amid accusations from the current Adama Barrow government regarding alleged mercenary recruitment and attempts to destabilize The Gambia. The former leader has consistently refuted these claims, instead accusing the Barrow administration of fabricating information and engaging in illicit activities. He has previously alleged that the government deployed military drones to target civilians gathering firewood, a claim the current government has denied. Jammeh's statement further emphasizes his position that he is not involved in any efforts to undermine the stability of the country he once led. He specifically claimed that the Barrow government used military drones to shoot people gathering firewood, presenting this as an example of the administration's alleged misconduct and disregard for its citizens.
Allegations of Government Misconduct
Former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh further alleged that the current administration has engaged in a campaign of misinformation and financial misconduct. He claimed that in March 2017, the coalition government falsely reported that he had provided US$4 million to a warlord with the intention of invading The Gambia. Jammeh asserted that this accusation was part of a broader pattern of fabricating information against him, designed to tarnish his image and justify actions taken against him. He further accused the Barrow government of mismanaging state resources and engaging in illicit financial activities. According to Jammeh, the government has been involved in "looting" and "plundering" the country's wealth since taking office. These allegations form part of Jammeh's ongoing counter-narrative against the Adama Barrow government, which he has repeatedly accused of corruption and deceit since his departure from office.
Jammeh's Exile and Past
Former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, speaking from exile, accused the Adama Barrow government of engaging in systemic misconduct targeting him and his associates. Jammeh specifically alleged that the current administration was "looting" his properties, claiming that his assets have been unlawfully seized or misappropriated. He further claimed the government was "terrorising" his people, referring to his supporters and community members, suggesting a pattern of intimidation and harassment. Jammeh also stated that his family home in Kanilai had been converted into a military garrison by the Barrow government, an action he views as a direct affront and a violation of his personal space and property rights. These accusations are part of an ongoing dispute between the former leader and the current administration, noting deep-seated tensions and a persistent war of words from his exile in Equatorial Guinea.
