A famed Gambian interpreter has revealed the terrifying moment former President Yahya Jammeh shouted “don’t be stupid” at him after he hesitated to repeat the ex-leader’s brutal tribal attack on the Mandinka in 2016.
Pa Sainey Jallow was interpreting when Jammeh accused the Mandinka of plotting all coups against his regime and vowed to “exterminate” them.
The remarks came shortly after the controversial deaths and arrests linked to United Democratic Party protests, including the killing of activist Solo Sandeng in custody and the imprisonment of lawyer Ousainou Darboe.
Recalling the chilling encounter, Jallow said: “I tried not to repeat Jammeh’s words, but he turned to me and said, ‘do you think you speak Mandinka better than me? If you can’t repeat it, tell me so I can say it myself.’”
Jallow complied out of fear for his life, but says he has faced criticism from those who believe he should have stood his ground.
He defended his actions, saying: “If I had challenged Jammeh then, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Jallow also pointed out that many in his family are Mandinka, asking: “So who is more Mandinka than me?”
By Adama Makasuba
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