To His Excellency, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea,
President Adama Barrow of the Republic of The Gambia,
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS),
The United Nations,
And the People of The Gambia,
I, Yahya Jammeh, write this letter with a deep sense of regret and remorse for the actions I took during my time in power.
The years I spent as the leader of The Gambia were marked by decisions and behaviours that not only hurt my country but also harmed countless individuals and groups, many of whom were my innocent fellow citizens, and many more who had faith in me and my leadership.
First and foremost, I offer my sincerest apologies to the people of The Gambia. I recognize now the immense suffering I caused through my dictatorship, the gross violations of human rights, the oppression, fear, and trauma inflicted on the innocent. I deeply regret the arbitrary arrests, the detentions, the unlawful imprisonments, and the forced disappearances of those who were unjustly targeted. Many lives were lost, families torn apart, and trust shattered. I now understand that such acts were not only morally reprehensible but entirely unjust, and for this, I am truly sorry.
To President Adama Barrow, I recognize the responsibility I bear for the unrest and political instability that followed the transition of power. The country has endured challenges that were exacerbated by my resistance to peaceful change. The rightful transition to democracy should have been smooth and without conflict, yet my actions contributed to unnecessary division and chaos. I now acknowledge that the Gambian people deserve nothing less than a peaceful, stable, and prosperous future.
To President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, I express my sincere gratitude for your hospitality and understanding during my time in exile. However, I now admit that I should not have resorted to arrogance or used the protection of your nation as a shield from accountability. I made statements and commitments that were driven by pride, rather than humility or genuine remorse. I owe you and your country an apology for any strain or misunderstanding I may have caused.
To ECOWAS, the regional body that took every measure to ensure the peaceful transition of power, I apologize for my defiance of your diplomatic efforts and peaceful resolution. I realize now that the unity and integrity of the West African region are paramount, and my actions were detrimental to that cause. I failed to respect the will of the people and the importance of regional cooperation, and for that, I deeply regret my actions.
To the United Nations, I apologize for my conduct during my tenure, which often ran counter to the values of democracy, human rights, and international peace. My administration’s approach to governance was far from the standards that the UN and the international community expect from any nation. I have learned, too late, that such leadership does not lead to peace or progress, but only to destruction and sorrow.
Lastly, to my fellow Gambians, I extend the most profound apology. I understand now that my actions caused pain, fear, and distrust among us all. It was never my intent to divide our nation or tear apart the fabric of our society. I made grave mistakes, and I now understand that no power or position justifies the harm and trauma I caused.
Today, as I reflect on my actions and their consequences, I come to terms with the reality that no apology can undo the damage done. Yet, I hope that by acknowledging my faults and seeking forgiveness, I can take the first step towards personal redemption, reconciliation, reparations to talk victims and contribute, even in some small way, to the healing of the nation I once led.
I have spoken erratically and without consideration in the past, and I now recognize that those words were reckless and only served to create further division. My mental state may have been compromised during that period, but I accept full responsibility for the harm caused by my actions and my words. I hope that those who have suffered will find it in their hearts to forgive me.
As I move forward, I promise to embrace peace and accountability, and I will work to make amends where possible. The Gambia has endured much, but it deserves a future of unity, justice, and prosperity. I hope the Gambia will continue to heal and progress in the right direction, guided by the will of the people and the commitment to human rights and democracy.
May God guide us all towards reconciliation and peace.
Sincerely,
President Yahya Abdul Aziz Jemus Junkung Jebulai Jammeh, Babilimansa Nasirudeen
