Former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh has hit back at President Adama Barrow, rejecting suggestions that he intends to destabilise The Gambia while saying he retains the right to defend himself and the country.

In an audio recording, Jammeh says he has no intention of bringing war or destruction to The Gambia or causing harm to civilians.

“I will be the last human being on earth … that will bring destruction to The Gambia and kill innocent women and children.”

Jammeh nevertheless says he would defend himself and his integrity if he believes someone has crossed a line.

“I have a right to defend myself. I have a right to defend my integrity. And I have a right to defend my country.”

He also warned against people using his name to threaten others, saying: “I don’t want anybody to threaten you people using my name.”

Much of the recording is directed at Barrow, whom Jammeh accuses of repeatedly linking him to instability and claiming to know about his activities in exile.

“But Adama Barrow, you are going too far, reporting me everywhere, trying to destabilise the country.”

Jammeh also questions claims that Barrow is closely informed about his activities, asking: “You say you know when I eat; every day you know what I am doing.”

He accuses the president of focusing too much on him rather than addressing challenges facing The Gambia, but does not provide evidence for some of the wider claims made in the recording.

Jammeh concludes by urging Barrow to focus on governing the country.

“You better fix the problem of The Gambia rather than every day lying about me.”

The remarks come ahead of The Gambia’s December 2026 presidential election, with Jammeh continuing to feature prominently in the country’s political discourse.

Jammeh ruled The Gambia for 22 years before losing the December 2016 presidential election to Barrow. He left the country for Equatorial Guinea in January 2017 after initially rejecting the result.