Former Gambian president Yahya Jammeh has declared a general pardon for all individuals previously expelled from his faction of the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC).
In an audio message released on Friday, Jammeh said the decision was aimed at fostering unity within the party as he renews his promise to return home from exile.
“I have pardoned all those who were expelled on my instructions. Those who resigned, I am not responsible for that. I didn’t kick anyone out of the party,” Jammeh said.
He added that the party remains open to anyone wishing to return, but warned that indiscipline and personal attacks would not be tolerated.
“The door is open for anyone who wants to come back. But insulting people’s mums or insulting each other is not acceptable in the APRC. I am not going to condone it,” he said.
“I am giving everybody a chance, but that doesn’t mean we should be accusing each other falsely. If I pardon someone today and you insult tomorrow, you’re going home permanently. We don’t want people that use satanic language.”
The former president also cautioned that those who left voluntarily should not expect to regain their previous positions in the party.
“Let it be clear that if you had a position before and you were expelled, don’t expect to get it back,” he said.
“From now on, the party is not about who sits in the executive. It’s about the number of people you mobilise and bring to the APRC. If you have nobody behind you, don’t expect to lead.”
Jammeh, who has been living in exile in Equatorial Guinea since 2017, continues to address his supporters through periodic audio messages, maintaining influence over a loyal base within the APRC.
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