Exiled former Gambian president Yahya Jammeh has reasserted his influence over the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC), unveiling a new internal campaign he calls “Operation Complete Weeding.”
In a recently released audio message, Jammeh urged patience among party loyalists while cautioning against individuals he accused of exploiting his name to issue statements or undermine the APRC executive. He instructed supporters to verify any claims attributed to him, stressing that only communications directly from him should be trusted.
Jammeh, who seized power in a 1994 military coup and ruled The Gambia for 22 years, has lived in exile in Equatorial Guinea since January 2017, when he stepped down following electoral defeat. Despite his absence, Jammeh continues to wield influence over the APRC, positioning himself as the custodian of what he described as “genuine members” of the party.
A Legacy of Controversy: During his presidency, Jammeh was known for his authoritarian style of governance, marked by allegations of human rights abuses, suppression of dissent, and tight control over state institutions. His departure in 2017 came after weeks of political tension, when regional pressure forced him to concede defeat to Adama Barrow.
Since then, Jammeh’s presence has loomed large over Gambian politics. The APRC, once the ruling party, has struggled to redefine its role in the post-Jammeh era, often torn between factions loyal to the former president and those seeking a new direction.
The APRC’s Internal Struggles: “Operation Complete Weeding” appears to be Jammeh’s attempt to consolidate control over the party from abroad. His message suggests a purge of individuals he views as opportunists or detractors within the APRC ranks. Analysts note that such interventions highlight the party’s ongoing internal divisions, which have hindered its ability to mount a unified opposition in Gambian politics.
For many Gambians, Jammeh’s continued involvement raises questions about the future of the APRC and whether the party can move beyond his shadow. While some supporters remain fiercely loyal, others argue that the party must evolve to remain relevant in a political landscape now dominated by President Barrow’s National People’s Party (NPP).
Jammeh’s latest pronouncement underscores the enduring influence of exiled leaders in shaping political discourse back home. Whether “Operation Complete Weeding” will strengthen the APRC or deepen its internal fractures remains to be seen. What is clear is that nearly a decade after his departure, Yahya Jammeh continues to cast a long shadow over Gambian politics.
