(Banjul, The Gambia) – Former Vice President and veteran reformist, Fatoumatta Jallow-Tambajang, has declared her candidacy for The Gambia’s 2026 presidential elections, positioning herself as a unifying mother figure in a nation still grappling with the unfinished business of transition.
Her announcement, made at the Sahel Governance Forum in Bijilo, carries symbolic and practical weight. Tambajang, who played a crucial role in building Coalition 2016, the alliance that ended Yahya Jammeh’s two-decade rule, represents both continuity of democratic struggle and a call for a new direction.
Tambajang’s candidacy is significant in a continent where only a few women have risen to the highest political office. Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female head of state, is celebrated for steering her country through post-war recovery and earning a Nobel Peace Prize. Malawi’s Joyce Banda emphasized economic reforms and women’s empowerment during her tenure. More recently, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan has demonstrated calm but firm leadership in guiding her nation through political transition and global challenges.
These examples show that when women lead, they bring different approaches—rooted in dialogue, inclusivity, and resilience. They challenge entrenched patriarchal systems and offer nations the chance to redefine governance with empathy and strength.
For The Gambia, still struggling with the scars of dictatorship and the slow pace of reforms, Tambajang’s leadership could symbolize a healing process. As a veteran of governance, international diplomacy, and women’s rights advocacy, she has both the institutional knowledge and the grassroots connection to guide the nation forward.
“The Gambia needs a mother who will treat all citizens as her children, not as opponents,” remarked Patience Mama Loum, a women’s activist in Banjul. “A mother leads with patience, compassion, and firmness. That is what we need today.”
Tambajang’s record as Minister of Women’s Affairs and her role in building bridges across political divides lend credibility to this view. Her candidacy offers an alternative in a race dominated by long-time male contenders—many of whom have been part of the system Gambians are eager to reform.
Observers argue that her entry into the crowded 2026 field reflects a growing demand for fresh leadership and deeper reforms. While critics may question her ties to past administrations, her supporters insist that her ability to unify fractured coalitions and inspire women’s participation in politics is precisely what The Gambia needs.
Ultimately, her candidacy is more than a personal ambition—it is a statement about the future of leadership in Africa. If elected, Fatoumatta Jallow-Tambajang could join the ranks of women who have reshaped governance across the continent, proving that leadership is not about gender but about vision, integrity, and empathy.
As she steps into the race, one message echoes across the nation: The Gambia needs a woman’s touch. The Gambia needs a mother’s care and love.
