Ebrima Tabora Manneh, leader of the People’s Alliance Party (PAP), has said former President Yahya Jammeh would be brought back to The Gambia if his party wins power, insisting that his return would be part of a wider reconciliation process.

Speaking in a political address, Manneh said his party’s position was clear on allowing Jammeh to return from exile.

“I have said it openly that when we are elected we will bring back Yahya Jammeh and that doesn’t mean that he will rule. When we win the election Jammeh will come back and we mean that,” he said.

He stressed that Jammeh’s return would not automatically translate into a role in government, but would instead open the door for national dialogue and accountability.

Mr Manneh argued that other countries have taken different approaches to former leaders accused of wrongdoing.

“In Western countries presidents have done worse, but they were not forced into exile,” he said.

He added that if Jammeh returns, his party would support efforts aimed at reconciliation and justice for victims.

“When he is back, we will support him to repent to those he offended so they can forgive him or take him to court,” he said.

The remarks are likely to reignite political debate in The Gambia over Jammeh’s legacy, as well as the ongoing national conversation around transitional justice and accountability for alleged abuses committed during his 22-year rule.

Yahya Jammeh has been living in exile in Equatorial Guinea since 2017 after leaving office following political pressure and a regional military intervention that ended his presidency.

By Adama Makasuba