We were invited to the State House on Friday by the First Lady and had an interesting conversation with President Adama Barrow.

WHAT'S ON-GAMBIA: Are you planning to run for a third term?

PRESIDENT: (Laughs) Why do you want to know?

WHAT'S ON-GAMBIA: The whole nation wants to know.

PRESIDENT: That’s not true. It’s only the UDP that wants to know.

WHAT'S ON-GAMBIA: There are rumors that you want Muhammed Jah or Yankuba Darboe to be your successor.

PRESIDENT: Wait... which Yankuba Darboe?

WHAT'S ON-GAMBIA: Not the Brikama Area Council chairman.

PRESIDENT:  (Laughs) Very good! So you mean the GRA Commissioner General?

WHAT'S ON-GAMBIA: Yes.

PRESIDENT: Go and ask Yankuba, not me. In 2026, the NPP will decide who will be their presidential candidate.

WHAT'S ON-GAMBIA: Who's your favorite minister?

PRESIDENT: Dawda Jallow. He does everything I tell him without question.

WHAT'S ON-GAMBIA: Do you think your former political father, Darboe, will run again in 2026?

PRESIDENT: I don’t know. Don't ask me again. 

WHAT'S ON-GAMBIA: Do you still eat mbahal?

PRESIDENT: Why not? I still eat mbahal every Friday. But my father, Darboe stopped his Friday mbahal since Momodou Sabally left.

WHAT'S ON-GAMBIA: (Laughs) How do you know that?

PRESIDENT: I have spies in the UDP. I know everything they do.

WHAT'S ON-GAMBIA: Who is your favorite UDP militant?

PRESIDENT: Let me think.... Lang Sonko Nkee. Can I ask you a question?

WHAT'S ON-GAMBIA: Yes, Mr. President.

PRESIDENT: Why don’t you support my government?

WHAT'S ON-GAMBIA: One of the main reasons is that you refused to fight corruption. Many of your senior civil servants are thieves. They are making millions from kickbacks and per diems. 

PRESIDENT: So, I’m not fighting corruption?

WHAT'S ON-GAMBIA: Over D300 million was stolen at the Gambia Ports Authority, and they claimed the police are still investigating (Laughs). 

PRESIDENT: Yes, you’re right. I should fight against corruption. But I have to go now. We’ll talk another time.

WHAT'S ON-GAMBIA: Ok. 

Editor’s note: This is an imaginary interview (fictional)!