Fabakary Tombong Jatta, leader of the former ruling APRC party, has urged party supporters to unite for the betterment of the party. 

In his New Year message, Tombong-Jatta who is also the Gambia’s speaker of parliament, said: “let me hasten to say that APRC is one party and shall remain united for the betterment of its militants, well-wishers and sympathisers.  In this circumstance, I call on all militants and sympathisers to unite and safeguard the ideals and achievements. It is time for us all to continue to support national development, progress and prosperity of our dear nation.

“Let us all recall that there were numerous development projects and programs executed by the APRC government during our tenure of 20 years. These development agendas shall not be abandoned, rather, we should collaborate with the government of the day in consolidating and building on those gains for a better Gambia.” 

The APRC has been embroiled in infighting since Jatta-led executive endorsed President Barrow’s re-election in 2021 against the wishes of the party founder and leader ex-president Yahya Jammeh. 

Following the endorsement of Barrow, Jammeh fired Tombong Jatta and his executive from the APRC party. But the group ignored Jammeh’s sacking claiming that he was no longer the party leader.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba