Gambia’s ex-President Yahya Jammeh left the country late last night in the wake of elections that ousted him after 22 years in power.
He boarded a plane to Guinea and from there will travel on to exile in Equatorial Guinea, according to regional group Economic Community of West African States.
Jammeh was defeated in December’s election by Adama Barrow but went on to challenge the results.
Barrow has been in Senegal, where he was sworn in as President at the Gambia Embassy there on Thursday, but says he will return to The Gambia soon.
In an interview with the BBC, Barrow said he wanted to create a truth and reconciliation committee to investigate allegations of human rights abuses during Jammeh’s time in office.
Marcel de Souza, ECOWAS President, said the military operation that had sent West African troops into The Gambia in support of Barrow, was now ended, although some would remain to ensure security.
CHEERING SUPPORTERS
Jammeh arrived at the airport amid a large convoy of vehicles and throngs of cheering supporters.
He stood on a small platform to hear ceremonial music performed by a military band and then walked down a long red carpet surrounded by dignitaries.
He climbed the steps to the plane, turned and kissed and waved a Koran at those assembled.
After 22 years in power, he left bound for Guinea where it’s believed he will stay before going on to another country.
Soldiers, supporters and dignitaries were emotional as he left – many of them crying.
DICTATORSHIP
Many others in The Gambia are glad to see the end of what they considered a dictatorship, where there was little respect for human rights or freedom of speech
The details of the arrangements made – or promises offered to persuade Jammeh to give up power peacefully are not yet known, but there was the real threat of military action from regional states.
He’s the first President to peacefully hand over power in The Gambia since independence from Britain in 1965.
GUINEA-MAURITANIA TALKS
Jammeh’s decision to quit came after talks with the Presidents of Guinea and Mauritania.
Guinea’s President Alpha Conde was with Jammeh and his wife on the plane that left Banjul late on Saturday.
“NOT A SINGLE DROP OF BLOOD”
In an address on state television, Jammeh, who had once said he would rule The Gambia for a billion years, said he would stand down and that it was “not necessary that a single drop of blood be shed.”
Jammeh said: “I have decided today in good conscience to relinquish the mantle of leadership of this great nation with infinite gratitude to all Gambians.”
Source: BBC
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
