Former vice president Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang (FJT) has intensified her political comeback with a bold youth-focused dialogue and sharp criticism of President Adama Barrow’s alliance with figures from former dictator Yahya Jammeh’s regime.

At an event dubbed “A Chat with Youth Influencers,” held this week in Bakadaji, Tambajang met with young influencers, digital creators and youth leaders to discuss national challenges, share her vision for empowerment and outline what she called “a people-centred roadmap” ahead of the 2026 general elections.

She promised sweeping reforms to the National Youth Council and the Gambia National Youth Service Scheme, along with new funding, skills training and mentorship initiatives for young entrepreneurs.

“Youth voices must shape the future of this country,” she told participants. “We cannot talk about national development without putting young people at the centre of decision-making.”

Tambajang also used the platform to take direct aim at President Barrow, condemning his partnership with members of Jammeh’s APRC party, which she described as “unethical” and “a betrayal of victims.”

“I think bringing APRC as Speaker and Deputy Speaker is a slap to the nation,” she said. “He did it for his personal interest. The APRC should have been barred from politics for at least five years to allow victims to heal.”

Tambajang, who played a key role in the 2016 coalition that ended Jammeh’s 22-year rule, hinted strongly at a 2026 presidential bid, saying she would confront corruption and rebuild public trust.

“We cannot end corruption, but we can control it through strong reforms and enforcement,” she said. “I have proven myself in every office I’ve held. I serve the Gambian people—not power.”

Her remarks mark one of her most forceful political re-entries since leaving government and signal her intent to challenge both Barrow’s record and the direction of his administration ahead of the next election.