Gambia: Adama Barrow's promises for his second term

This Wednesday, the President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, was sworn in after his victory in the December 4 election. A start of a second term accompanied by realistic promises, focused on the socio-economic situation of Gambians.

In Gambia, President Adama Barrow sworn in, Wednesday, January 19, at the dawn of his second presidential term. The ceremony, which was held at the Independence Stadium in Banjul, was marked by the presence of several African Heads of State: Macky Sall, Nana Akufo-Addo, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, Muhammadu Buhari… Prestigious guests for the small West African country. Eight heads of state were present at Barrow's inauguration, a record which shows that The Gambia is now better perceived than under Jammeh.

Indeed, during Adama Barrow's first term, The Gambia strengthened its relations with several countries. Neighbors with whom Gambian diplomacy has reconnected, foreign powers such as India and China, but also the countries of the Arab Gulf where Gambia is diplomatically very present. A successful diplomatic record, due in particular to the activity of Foreign Minister Mamadou Tangara, who inherited the portfolio of opposition leader Ousainou Darboe.

But where Adama Barrow seeks to enhance his project for his country is at the level of infrastructure and energy. Realistic priorities, despite criticism from an opposition that gives voice without really offering an alternative.

Will Adama Barrow's pragmatism be enough?

Adama Barrow's first term was marked by the construction of 800 roads, including a dozen major roads. Road infrastructure is a major challenge for the Gambian economy. Yet these projects, the majority of which have been completed, have done little to change the face of the country's economy.

However, Adama Barrow persists and signs: road network and universal access to electricity, these are his priorities. Barrow's second term will build on the achievements of the first. The Gambian president also promises to promote the cultivation of rice until self-sufficiency. Few prospects are offered for unemployment and inflation, however. But Adama Barrow will not get lost in the middle of electoral promises, and prefers to be clear vis-à-vis the Gambians.

This is also the case with transitional justice. The Gambia has shown that it intends to move on the thorny file of the victims of the Jammeh era. In the midst of the electoral campaign, the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) finally submitted the report on the abuses committed during Yahya Jammeh's 22 years in power to Adama Barrow.

The Gambian head of state recommended taking “judicial measures” against the inmates of the old regime. But he also recommended "patience and respect for procedures", refusing a "witch hunt" in this case.