Former Ambassador Essa Bokar Sey rejects third-term agenda in Gambia

Former Gambian Ambassador and Deputy CEO of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Gambia Office, Essa Bokar Sey, has issued a firm statement rejecting any attempt to extend the tenure of the country’s incumbent president or future leaders beyond the constitutional two-term limit.

In a message shared with his followers, Sey declared, “I do not support a 3rd term agenda for the incumbent, nor will I ever support it for any future leader in The Gambia, Inshaa Allah.”

He urged Gambians who share his principles to stand against attempts to manipulate the constitution in favor of prolonged rule, warning that such moves threaten democratic stability.

Sey further referenced the growing concerns of governance experts across West Africa, stating that the failure to introduce, respect, and uphold presidential term limits has been a major driver of political instability in the region.

“Not introducing term limits, not respecting them, and tampering with constitutions are core causes of instability in the region,” he emphasized.

His statement aligns with broader discussions on democracy in Africa, where several nations have witnessed constitutional amendments allowing incumbents to extend their rule, often leading to unrest and political crises.

Sey concluded with a resolute stand: “I want to be on record. I do not support a 3rd term agenda for the incumbent in The Gambia, and I will never support it for any other leader who comes after the current one.”

His remarks add to the growing discourse on governance in The Gambia, where debates over leadership tenure continue to shape the nation’s democratic future.