The Gambia: What is going on?
by Leah Wood
Troubles in Gambia have been accumulating since the shock election of Adama Barrow in December.
The former London security guard comfortably ended the 22-year rule of president Yahya Jammeh, who previously vowed to rule for ‘a billion years’.
However it seems the long-time leader was not lying when he refused to stand down last week during Barrow’s inauguration, he claimed voting irregularities and demanded a fresh election.
The announcement saw controversy ripple through the country where celebrations had already began at the prospect of an end to Mr Jammeh’s rule and the start of democratic progress.
Since seizing power in a coup in 1994, the controversial leader has been alleged to have arrested hundreds of people on suspicion of being witches and threatened to decapitate homosexuals.
Jammeh declared a state of emergency on Wednesday after refusing to hand power back, prompting plans to send thousands of tourists back to the UK after concerns of possible military intervention.
After tensions worsened yesterday with neighbouring troops threatening to intervene, the stubborn leader has now been given until midday to leave peacefully.
UPDATE: The Gambia’s defeated President Yahya Jammeh has now asked for a deadline for him to leave office or be forced out by UN-backed forces to be extended until 16:00 GMT on Friday.
