“By all indications, Jammeh is just trying to be relevant. I don’t think he is bold enough to board a flight and come to The Gambia. He knows what awaits him when he sets foot in this country,” Kijera said. “This is simply a show of political propaganda, a desperate attempt by a lonely man trying to seek relevance.”
Despite casting doubt on Jammeh’s intention to return, Kijera welcomed the idea of his voluntary repatriation, noting it would save the Gambian government both the cost and the diplomatic hassle of extradition.
“We welcome the news of the intended and voluntary return of Yahya Jammeh to The Gambia. It is a welcome development since the TRRC has recommended his prosecution. Jammeh is a fugitive, a wanted man and must face accountability for the atrocities committed under his regime,” he charged.
Kijera reiterated that Jammeh remains wanted for serious crimes outlined by the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), which investigated gross human rights abuses committed during his 22-year rule.
He emphasised that The Gambia’s government and ECOWAS have been working to establish a hybrid court to try Jammeh and others responsible for atrocities including extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary arrests, and enforced disappearances.
Kijera argued that Jammeh’s voluntary return would simplify the process of justice, saving the state resources that would otherwise go into extradition negotiations.
“For Jammeh to voluntarily return to The Gambia is the best news of the year. It saves government resources and the hassle to extract him through diplomatic channels,” he said.
“He will be arrested,” Kijera warns of consequences while acknowledging Jammeh’s constitutional right as a Gambian citizen to return home. Kijera was clear that his return must come with accountability.
“Jammeh is a citizen of this country. He is free, like any other person, to return or travel to The Gambia any time he feels like. However, he went into exile on his own accord. He has issues to answer and must face the rule of law,” he said.
Kijera warned that Jammeh would be arrested immediately upon arrival, stressing that he remains the “most wanted man” for alleged international crimes.
“By all indications, Jammeh will be arrested when he steps foot in this country. He is the most wanted man for the alleged international crimes that were committed; people should be aware of that. There are ongoing efforts to try Jammeh before a competent court,” Kijera stated.
He added that Jammeh walking freely would pose a serious threat to national security, warning that his influence and past actions could destabilise The Gambia’s fragile peace. “Jammeh is a criminal. His record with the Casamance rebels and his collaboration with them show that he has no good intentions for this country.”
Kijera reminded the public that Jammeh’s return should not overshadow the pain and trauma endured by thousands of victims of his regime.
“Jammeh has his victims to face and must provide closure for all the atrocious crimes committed during his watch,” he said. “Allowing him to walk freely would be an insult to the victims who suffered under his regime.”
He further noted that the TRRC’s findings based on extensive testimonies have made it clear that Jammeh must be held accountable.
“The TRRC has indicted Jammeh to be prosecuted before a special international court. Justice must take its course, with all the due process guarantees,” he said.
Kijera questioned the timing of Jammeh’s declaration, suggesting it may be intended to rally support among his remaining loyalists and to insert himself into the national political conversation ahead of the 2026 elections.
“I think, by all indications, Jammeh is just trying to be relevant. He is broke, desperate, and lonely. This is a show of political propaganda to gather his supporters and seek some kind of relevance,” he added.
Kijera also called on the government to clearly communicate its stance on the matter to avoid public confusion and potential unrest.
“The government needs to come out and tell the public what their intentions are regarding Jammeh’s return to make people aware of what will happen. Jammeh is not coming back as a free man. He’s coming back to face justice,” he said.
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