Bakary Badjie, the National Assembly member for Foni Bintang, who wants to unseat President Adama Barrow in the 2026 election, has vowed to compensate victims of the Jammeh regime if he wins the polls.

Mr Badjie’s candidacy gained attention after he announced his decision to run for the presidency. He was expelled by Jammeh who has since been living in exile in Equatorial from the APRC party for the latter’s decision. He claimed Badjie acted unilaterally in making his decision.

In response, Badjie said he was elected as an independent candidate and does not need anyone’s permission to run for president.

At his first press conference, he apologised to the victims and sought their forgiveness. He promised to provide compensation and establish a reconciliation committee aimed at bridging divisions among Gambians for the sake of peace and development.

“When I come to power, one of the first things I would do is to compensate the victims, because this government [the Barrow government] has shown no interest in doing so.”

He also accused the Barrow government of neglecting the victims, accusing it of offering only empty promises regarding reparations.

By Adama Makasuba