APRC deputy spokesman Dodou Jah has slammed those who are opposed to their alliance with President Adama Barrow’s National People’s Party as people who “don’t know the laws and they don’t have respect for the rights of people”.

The alliance with the party of former strongman Yahya Jammeh has been criticised by Gambians from all walks of life including opposition parties, victims group and civil society organisations.

They accused President Barrow of lacking commitment in the fight for justice for the alleged victims of former president Yahya Jammeh.

But the APRC has responded to the criticism saying it was exercising its right to form alliance with any other parties they have shared political interest with. 

Dodou Jah said: “APRC is a registered political party and it has every right to form alliances with any political party, and we say this: no one will teach us politics because we have been into politics for so long now. 

“We can do what we are doing and we are good at what we are doing. So, if anyone has his or her ideas, keep it to yourself.”

He said the alliance with President Barrow’s NPP is a sign of national unity and reconciliation. 

“I think when people say national reconciliation – we [APRC] say NPP/APRC alliance is where it starts and people started to unite now because anywhere, we go you will see APRC and NPP supporters together.

“So, this shows how important unity is in a country and it helps a nation to develop and seeing these people coming together is a win for The Gambia.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba