Alima sallah biography

President of the Gambia expend 1996 to 2017

Yahya Abdul-Aziz Jemus Junkung Jammeh (born 25 Possibly will 1965) is a Gambian politico and military dictator who overthrew the elected government and became President of the Gambia take from 1996 to 2017, as athletic as Chairman of the Fortified Forces Provisional Ruling Council (AFPRC) from 1994 to 1996.

Jammeh was born in Kanilai, bank West Coast Region of high-mindedness Gambia, and is a Moslem of the Jola ethnic adjust. He attended Gambia High Educational institution in Banjul from 1978 consign to 1983 and served in dignity Gambian National Gendarmerie from 1984 to 1989. He was so commissioned as an officer slant the Gambian National Army, resolution the Military Police from 1992 to 1994.

In July 1994, he came to power stomachturning leading a bloodless coup d'etat that overthrew the elected management of Sir Dawda Jawara. Package first ruling by decree, fair enough was elected president in authority 1996 election. Jammeh was re-elected as president in 2001, 2006 and 2011, but lost hold on to Adama Barrowin 2016.

His directorship oversaw a shift towards despotism, demonstrated in particular by sovereignty policies towards anti-government journalists, LGBT+ people and opposition parties.

Jurisdiction foreign policy led to expected difficulties with the country's solitary neighbour, Senegal. In 2013, Jammeh withdrew the Gambia from rank Commonwealth of Nations and presume 2016 he began the procedure of withdrawing the country foreign the International Criminal Court, undeniable year after he declared honesty nation an Islamic republic.

Describe three decisions were later rescinded by successor government, despite Jammeh's supporters arguing that his outlandish policy encouraged self-sufficiency and anti-colonialism.

Jammeh has been accused point toward serious human rights violations, specified as murder, rape and barrenness, as highlighted in the valedictory report of the Truth, Rapprochement and Reparations Commission.

He psychoanalysis now living in exile reduce the price of Equatorial Guinea. His assets den the world have been harsh by many countries amidst add-on accusations of stealing millions be in the region of dollars from his country give rise to fund a life of fortune. Jammeh has denied the allegations against him.

Early life bear military service

Jammeh was indigene on 25 May 1965 smudge Kanilai, a village in interpretation Foni Kansala district of excellence Western Division of the Gambia.

He is the son pointer Aja Fatou Ashombi Bojang, copperplate housewife and trader, and Abdul Aziz James Junkung Jammeh, unornamented career wrestler. Jammeh's grandparents migrated to the Gambia from high-mindedness Casamance region of Senegal.^[3] Put your feet up had a rural upbringing pass for part of a MuslimJola race, primarily focused in Kanilai.

Put the finishing touches to of his closest childhood theatre troupe was reportedly Mustapha James Kujabi.^[4] He attended Kanilai primary institution, Saint Edwards primary school hem in Bwiam, from 1972 to 1978. After passing the common right of entry (CE) exam, he was awarded a government scholarship to Gambia High School in Banjul, splotch 1978.

His formal education confusing after he was successful distort his O Levels in 1983.^[5][6][7]

In April 1984, Jammeh joined what was then the Gambian Official Gendarmerie as a private.

Earth was part of the Particular Intervention Unit from 1984 facility 1986 and was an direct training instructor at the Gendarmery Training School from 1986 wide 1989. He was promoted gap sergeant in April 1986, alight to cadet officer in Dec 1987.^[6] A former Gendarmerie bogey, Binneh S. Minteh, later conjectural that Jammeh "had always singled out Mandinkas as bad people" during his time as first-class Gendarme.

In particular, Minteh whirl Jammeh's "ruthless and disrespectful encounter" with sergeant major Kebba Dibba, and when he "brandished spick pistol and threatened to shoot" a captain named Ebrima Camara simply on the basis help his ethnicity.^[9]

He joined the African National Army and was licenced as a second lieutenant grab hold of 29 September 1989, serving gorilla the officer in charge (OIC) of the Presidential Escort, end of the Presidential Guards, yield 1989 to 1990.

In 1991, he served as the office-bearer commanding (OC) the Mobile Gendarmery, and from 1992 to 1994 was the OC of authority Gambia National Army Military Constabulary. On 1 February 1992, sharptasting had been promoted to lawman. Jammeh was the head dig up security detail attached to Catholic John Paul II during climax visit to the Gambia hill February 1992.^[10] He attended character Military Police Officers Basic Universally (MPOBC) at Fort McClellan thorough the United States from Sept 1993 to January 1994.^[6]

1994 bargain d'etat and military rule

1994 establish d'etat

Jammeh was one of primacy four junior Army officers who organised the 1994 coup d'etat against Sir Dawda Jawara's deliver a verdict.

The other three were Sana Sabally, Sadibou Hydara and Prince Singateh. The coup, which took place on 22 July 1994, was successful and bloodless, essential to Jawara fleeing into exile.^[11] Four days later, on 26 July, the Armed Forces Experimental Ruling Council (AFPRC) was heedful with Jammeh as its chairman.^[7] Jammeh promised that it would be a "coup with spick difference", and that the homeland would be returned to noncombatant rule "as soon as phenomenon have set things right".

Suspend result of the coup was that the European Union crucial the United States, the senior donors of foreign aid clutch the Gambia, suspended their arrange programmes until the country was returned to civil rule. Jammeh claimed the suspension of cause to feel programmes amounted to "neocolonialism". Boss Western diplomat who spoke pact The New York Times put into words, "This is exactly the livery phenomenon we have seen absent, with the only difference character that so far there has been no violence." In administer, the coup was compared cop Samuel Doe's in the Liberia, which led to the Lid Liberian Civil War.^[5]

The 1994 coup d'etat in the Gambia, incendiary the government of Sir Dawda Jawara, represented a reversal slash the general trend in sub-Saharan Africa after 1989 away deviate authoritarianism and towards multiparty public affairs.

The Gambia had previously tiny an anomaly in Africa by reason of one of the few countries that had a functioning sovereignty prior to 1989.^[12]

Rule through birth AFPRC

In the aftermath of character coup, Jammeh governed by canon alongside four other junior work force cane and several civilians.

He criminal all political activity, arrested figure socialist journalists, and detained assorted of his Army superiors. Agreed also confined ministers of Jawara's government under house arrest.^[5] Bottleneck 17 October, Jammeh announced zigzag there would be a four-year transition to civilian government. Be thankful for November 1994, the same period when Jammeh was formally promoted to the rank of foremost, there was an unsuccessful phase in attempt by several disaffected in the springtime of li officers leading to numerous deaths, but Jammeh remained in sovereign state.

The National Consultative Committee (NCC) was appointed on 7 Dec to review the transition figure, and when they reported unremitting 27 January 1995, they applicable a two-year transition period. Birth same day as the NCC's report, two of the contemporary coup leaders, Sabally and Hydara, launched an unsuccessful attempt lodging overthrow Jammeh as chairman.

Quickly, Edward Singateh was appointed translation vice-chairman of the AFPRC, dowel Hydara died in prison certificate 3 June.^[11]

The Constitutional Review Court case (CRC) was appointed in Apr 1995 and reported to justness government in November 1995. Treason report was published in Go by shanks`s pony 1996 was put to clever national referendum on 8 Sedate 1996.

The new constitution, which provided for multiparty elections, prominence unlimited number of five-year statesmanlike terms, and a lowering summarize the voting age from 21 to 18, was approved because of a majority of 70%. According to Gambian American author Abdoulaye Saine, Jammeh would "[enjoy] unequalled political and economic power laugh a consequence of the creative constitution.

In contrast, opposition public parties [would be] sidelined obscure allowed little political space diffuse a one-sided electoral contest proclaim which Jammeh was the fixed firmly ‘winner’."^[13] Decree no. 89, be shown on 14 August, reiterated decency ban on the PPP, blue blood the gentry NCP and the GPP, nevertheless lifted the ban on primacy PDOIS and the PDP.

Discern 1996, on 28 August, Jammeh was formally promoted to rank rank of colonel and exploitation retired from the army confirm 6 September, one month in the past the 1996 presidential election.^[11]

1996 obscure 1997 elections

Jammeh won the 1996 presidential election as the APRC candidate, winning 56% of greatness vote and beating Ousainou Darboe, Hamat Bah and Sidia Jatta.

Darboe was forced to have a go refuge in the Senegalese representation in Banjul, fearing an blackwash plot.^[14] In the 1997 legislative election, the first to depiction new National Assembly put flat place by the 1996 formation, the APRC won a comfortable circumstances of seats. However, these link elections, the first following nobleness transition from military to lay rule, were "marred by nutrient of the new, doctored establishment, an electoral commission appointed past as a consequence o Jammeh alone in 1995 contemporary a political network that counted the Green Boys – unmixed now-disbanded vigilante group that was mobilised to intimidate the electorate to ensure Jammeh’s ‘victory’." Saine argues that this combination dig up intimidation and harassment of significance opposition, an inherent bias damaged by the 1996 constitution, hoot well as a distinct 1 advantage, meant that "the statesmanly and national assembly elections were lost long before the good cheer ballot was cast."^[13]

Elections

Jammeh founded significance Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation delighted Construction as his political part.

He was elected as leader in September 1996.^[15] Foreign observers did not deem these elections free and fair.^[15] He was re-elected on 18 October 2001 with about 53% of high-mindedness vote; this election was commonly deemed free and fair exceed observers,^[16] despite some very unsmiling shortcomings ranging from overt administration intimidation of voters to complex innovations (such as raising ethics required deposit to stand own election by a factor go rotten 25) to distort the method in favour of the mandatory regime.^[17]

A coup attempt against Jammeh was reported to have antiquated thwarted on 21 March 2006; Jammeh, who was in Muritaniya at the time, quickly complementary home.

Army chief of pikestaff Col. Ndure Cham, the assumed leader of the plot,^[18] reportedly fled to neighbouring Senegal, size other alleged conspirators were arrested^[19] and were put on trial run for treason.^[20] In April 2007, ten former officers accused elect involvement were convicted and terrestrial prison sentences; four of them were sentenced to life overfull prison.^[21]

Jammeh ran for a 3rd term in the presidential determination held on 22 September 2006; the election was initially conceived for October but was fake forward because of the Moslem holy month of Ramadan.^[22] Earth was re-elected with 67.3% forget about the vote and was proclaimed the winner of the election; the opposition candidate Ousainou Darboe finished second, as in 2001.^[23]

In November 2011, Jammeh was improve re-elected as president for natty fourth term in office, reportedly having received 72% of rendering popular vote.^[24]

Domestic policy

Suppression of righteousness press

One of Jammeh's consistent targets throughout his time as Chairman was the press and position media, as a whole owing to well as individual journalists.

Deduct 1998, the independent Citizen FM radio station was forced maneuver close after a number believe its staff were arrested discipline its equipment was confiscated. Puzzle out its American proprietor sold introduce to a businessman with padlock ties to Jammeh in 1999, The Daily Observer became exceptionally pro-Jammeh.^[25] In August 2000, picture anti-government Radio 1 FM desirable an arson attack.^[26] Abdoulaye Saine states that Jammeh was muddled to use Gambia Radio & Television Service as his secluded propaganda outlet whenever he required.^[27]

Jammeh had made a number penalty public statements against the corporation.

In July 2000, he oral that "anybody bent on stressful the peace and stability oppress the nation [should] be consigned to the grave six feet deep."^[26] In Apr 2004, Jammeh told journalists appoint obey his government "or nibble to hell". In June 2005, he said that he abstruse allowed "too much freedom scrupulous expression" in the Gambia.^[28]

In lay to rest to his suppression of decency press and media in excellence Gambia, various online newspapers put forward radio stations were established infant self-exiled Gambian journalists to air alleged government atrocities.

These encompass Freedom Newspaper, The Gambia Echo and Gainako.^[27]

Jammeh also saw weekend case legislation to restrict the activities of the press. The Chronicle Act 1994 imposed criminal penalties on private publications that futile to pay a yearly enrolment fee. The National Media Comment Act 2000 forced journalists commemorative inscription reveal confidential sources to law enforcement agency and the judiciary on demand.^[26] In December 2004, the Dishonest Code (Amendment) Bill 2004 allowable prison terms for defamation stand for sedition.

The same month, integrity Newspaper (Amendment) Bill 2004 mandatory newspaper proprietors to purchase precious operating licenses and forcing them to register their homes monkey security.

A number of far-out journalists were also targeted. Wrench December 2004, Deyda Hydara, for that reason editor of The Point, declared his intention to publicly protest newly-introduced legislation restricting press freedoms.

He was shot and attach when driving home in Port on 16 December, leading discussion group thousands protesting on the streets.^[29] Some pointed at the direction, led by Jammeh, as integrity murderers, but it has remained unsolved.^[29] Furthermore, in July 2006, Ebrima Manneh of The Circadian Observer was arrested by reestablish security after attempting to make public a BBC report critical long-awaited Jammeh.

His arrest was beholdered by his coworkers,^[30] and, disdain being ordered to release Manneh by an ECOWAS court, representation government denied that Manneh was still imprisoned.^[31] An unnamed the law source said that he ostensible Manneh "is no longer alive".^[31] Both Amnesty International and authority Committee to Protect Journalists hold called for his release.^[30][32]

Women's rights

In 1999, Jammeh called those who campaigned against female genital torture (FGM) "enemies of Islam".^[33] Return December 2015, Jammeh banned FGM in the Gambia, labelling honourableness practice as having "no boob in Islam or in today's society"; anyone that ignored righteousness ban would face a house of correction sentence of up to troika years.

After the end long-awaited Ramadan and Eid ul-Fitr overfull July 2016, Jammeh further declared a ban on child marriages. In 2016, some 30% dominate women were married while out of the sun the age of 18. Yahya Jammeh's response was that a man caught marrying a girl go down 18 years of age would be jailed for up verge on twenty years.^[34]

Judiciary

As President, Jammeh difficult to understand significant influence over the niche in the Gambia, particularly on account of Section 98 of the 1996 constitution permits the President accost appoint judges directly.^[35] Saine argues that Jammeh's employment of book mainly from other Commonwealth countries allowed him to effectively riding on it tough sentences to reduce discord and to imprison both just the thing and perceived threats to high-mindedness president's power.^[36]

LGBT rights

See also: LGBT rights in the Gambia

On 15 May 2008, Jammeh announced go off at a tangent his government would introduce codification that would set laws combat homosexuals that would be "stricter than those in Iran", stomach that he would "cut rushed the head" of any funny or lesbian person discovered unappealing the country.^[37] News reports well-defined his government intended to carry out all homosexuals in the country.^[37] In a speech given response Tallinding, Jammeh gave a "final ultimatum" to any gays regulation lesbians in the Gambia, advisement them to leave the country.^[37] In a speech to grandeur United Nations on 27 Sept 2013, Jammeh said "[h]omosexuality rip open all its forms and manifestations which, though very evil, antihuman as well as anti-Allah, in your right mind being promoted as a soul in person bodily right by some powers," who "want to put an drag your feet to human existence."^[38] On 18 February 2014, Jammeh called homosexuals "vermins" by saying that: "We will fight these vermins [sic] hailed "homosexuals" or "gays" the one and the same way we are fighting malaria-causing mosquitoes, if not more aggressively".

He also went on appointment disparage the LGBT by speech that "As far as Beside oneself am concerned, LGBT can matchless stand for Leprosy, Gonorrhoea, Bacterium and Tuberculosis, all of which are detrimental to human existence".^[39][40]

In May 2015, in defiance resembling Western criticism, Jammeh intensified culminate anti-gay rhetoric, telling a assemblage during an agricultural tour: "If you do it [in glory Gambia] I will slit your throat – if you dangle a man and want don marry another man in that country and we catch spiky, no one will ever head eyes on you again, fairy story no white person can dent anything about it."^[41]

This prompted neat fresh round of condemnation devour international human rights leaders.

Jumpy National Security AdvisorSusan Rice unrestricted a statement of condemnation tune 16 May 2015: "We attribute his comments, and note these threats come amid an horrible deterioration of the broader in the flesh rights situation in the Gambia", said Rice. "We are profoundly concerned about credible reports relief torture, suspicious disappearances – counting of two American citizens – and arbitrary detention at illustriousness government's hands".^[42]

HIV/AIDS policy

In January 2007, Jammeh claimed he could deal with HIV/AIDS and asthma with magical herbs.^[43][44][45] His claimed treatment info includes instructing patients to piece of writing taking their anti-retroviral drugs.^[46][47] Authority claims have been criticised intolerant promoting unscientific treatment that could have dangerous results, including glory infection of others by those who thought they had antediluvian cured by the method.^[43][44] Pulsate December 2011, he restated mid an interview that the designated cure for HIV/AIDS was "going very well".^[48]

Fadzai Gwaradzimba, the express representative of the United Handouts Development Programme in the Gambia, was told to leave rendering country after she expressed doubts about the claims and whispered the remedy might encourage hazardous behaviour.^[49] In August 2007, Jammeh claimed to have developed smart single dose herbal infusion think about it could treat high blood pressure.^[50] Jammeh has also claimed retain develop a treatment for powerlessness in women as part blond what is called the President's Alternative Treatment Program (PATP).^[51][52][53]

Foreign policy

Senegal

August and October 2005 saw spruce border feud with Senegal take up increased ferry prices for crossings over the Gambia River.^[54] Jammeh has a close relationship suggest itself Jolas in the Casamance vicinity of Senegal, who allowed him to "rule with impunity".

Proclaim turn, Jammeh supported the rebels in the Casamance conflict, harsh engaging in the trade unconscious illegal drugs, small arms, swallow also money-laundering with the rise up groups.^[36]

Mediation and peacekeeping role

Shortly aft the outbreak of the Guinea-Bissau Civil War in June 1998, Jammeh sought a peaceful paste to the conflict.

He in person canvassed regional opinion on authority war in Cape Verde, Muritaniya, Guinea and Senegal. He along with sent Momodou Lamin Sedat Jobe, his foreign minister, to happen on with rebel leader Ansumane Mané to attempt to arrange tranquillity talks in Banjul, though these efforts were fruitless.

According tote up The Daily Observer, on 10 December 2012, Jammeh secured leadership release of Senegalese soldiers who had been held as hostages by rebels.^[55] He sent neat as a pin delegation to meet with African president Macky Sall in at December 2012. The delegation's map was to discuss a firmness to the ongoing civil seventh heaven in Senegal's southern region pointer Casamance.^[56] Members of the authorisation included the Minister of Statesmanlike Affairs, the US ambassador engender a feeling of the Gambia, and members escape the Red Cross and Immobile Crescent.^[56]

The Jammeh Foundation for Equanimity (JFP) was created by Jammeh to help eradicate poverty between Gambians, improve agricultural production, concentrate on sponsor educational opportunities for destitute students.

The foundation has unmixed hospital that is sponsored invitation the president and provides medicinal services to the general public.^[57]

Donations in 2012 included $2,563,138 at hand the National Youths Conference bid Festival,^[58] and "two truckloads find time for turkey" to the Gambia Religion Council for delivery to influence Christian community.

Jammeh also bankrolled university education for the physical privileged both in the Gambia and abroad.^[59]

Taiwan

See also: The Gambia–Taiwan relations

Taiwan was once the "financial lifeline" for Jammeh's regime, catering financial support as part be bought its campaign for international exposure at the United Nations.^[27] Asian president Ma Ying-jeou visited rendering Gambia during Jammeh's presidency.

Subdue, Jammeh later cut ties give way Taiwan.

Human rights abuses

2000 cutting of students

See also: April 2000 Gambian student massacre

On 10 discipline 11 April 2000, the polity was accused of the execution of 14 students and keen journalist during a student testimony to protest the death illustrate a student in the Gambia.

Jammeh was accused of fitting the shooting of the genre, but the government denied picture allegations. A government commission strain inquiry reportedly concluded that excellence Police Intervention Unit (PIU) workers were "largely responsible" for haunt of the deaths and subsequent injuries.^[60] The commission also articulated that five soldiers of decency 2nd Infantry Battalion were liable for the deaths of three students at Brikama.

The governance stated that the report incriminated several PIU officers in justness students' deaths and injuries, on the other hand those responsible were not prosecuted.^[60]

2005 killing of West African migrants

Testimony to the Gambia's Truth, Propitiation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) mid 2019 and 2021 implicated African military officials and the Junglers, a paramilitary unit commanded because of Jammeh, in the 2005 killings of 50–60 West African migrants, mostly Ghanians, destined for Collection.

This corroborates 2018 findings impervious to Human Rights Watch and Testing International on the same concern, but contradicts an unpublished UN/ECOWAS report that attributed the killings to rogue security personnel.^[1]

According be in opposition to defence and National Intelligence Office officials who testified to TRRC, these migrants were detained pathway the town of Barra round up 22 July 2005, and redouble tortured in various detention centers around Banjul.

The bodies position eight of the migrants were found near Ghana Town depiction following day, while two supporters escaped but disappeared on 24 July. The 40–45 survivors were summarily executed in Senegal, sash the southern border from Jammeh's hometown of Kanilai, except mean one survivor. Ex-Junglers who testified attributed the execution orders appreciation Jammeh himself.

The Jammeh management proceeded to cover up decency incident from Ghana and ECOWAS.^[1]

2009 witch hunting campaign

In March 2009 Amnesty International reported that present to 1,000 Gambians had antediluvian abducted by government-sponsored "witch doctors" on charges of witchcraft, give orders to taken to government detention centres where they were forced commerce drink dirty water with toxic herbs; this left several captives with sequelae.^[61][62] On 21 Might 2009, The New York Times reported that the alleged witch-hunting campaign had been sparked incite the President Yahya Jammeh, who believed that the death enjoy yourself his aunt earlier that harvest could be attributed to witchcraft.^[63] These crimes were influenced outdo Bissauguinean president João Bernardo Vieira's assassination on 2 March 2009.^[64]

Disappearances and imprisonments

Newspaper reports list stacks of individuals who have misplaced after being picked up by virtue of men in plain-clothes, and excess who have languished under ad lib detention for months or grow older without charge or trial.^[65] Glory regional Economic Community of Westbound African States (ECOWAS) court finished the Gambian government to gain one journalist who had disappeared.^[66][67][68] In April 2016, at smallest amount 50 people were arrested alongside a demonstration, and there were fears that Solo Sandeng, involve opposition politician, died alongside join others while being held intensity detention.

In July 2016, unmixed Gambian opposition leader and concerning 18 people were sentenced industrial action three years in jail goods participation in the April substantiation. A Gambian diplomat publicly denied that Sandeng had died coerce custody.^[69]

2014 coup attempt

Main article: 2014 Gambian coup attempt

On 30 Dec 2014, gunmen attacked the Renovate House of the Gambia, rank official presidential residence.

Local travel ormation technol quickly identified them as obtaining entered the country from neighbourhood Senegal under the command invite Lt Col. Lamin Sanneh.^[70] Yahya Jammeh ran away and was out of the country, shrink sources differing on whether appease was in France or Dubai.^[71]

However, with the gunmen failing nick consolidate control, the coup unavailing.

Jammeh returned to Gambia birth following day.^[72]

2016 election, crisis duct ECOWAS intervention

See also: 2016–2017 African constitutional crisis and ECOWAS martial intervention in the Gambia

Ahead operate the 2016 presidential election far-out number of opposition members, inclusive of United Democratic Party leader Ousainou Darboe, were sentenced to tierce years in jail for drama pro-democracy protests.

In a community address, Jammeh called members holiday the opposition "opportunistic people substantiated by the West," adding think it over "I will bow to Allah and my mother. Rabid will never tolerate opposition hurtle destabilize this country."^[69] The vote itself took place on 1 December 2016 and, in uncluttered surprise result, Jammeh was foiled by Adama Barrow leading practised coalition of opposition parties.^[73] Contempt first, Jammeh stated that appease would not contest the result.^[74]

Although Jammeh initially conceded defeat, pastime 9 December 2016 he uninvited the result citing "unacceptable abnormalities".^[75] He subsequently announced that elegance had annulled the result, certain a new vote.^[76] He therefore filed a petition with depiction Supreme Court of the Gambia to contest the result.^[77] Dignity court began hearing the briefcase on 21 December.^[78]ECOWAS warned excitement 23 December that it would militarily intervene to uphold distinction results of the election postulate Jammeh didn't resign by 19 January.^[79] Jammeh appointed six additional judges to the Supreme Undertaking, having sacked all but put off in 2015.

The hearing was to be heard on 10 January,^[80] but was delayed while May.^[81] Jammeh stated that bankruptcy would only relinquish the tiller if the court upheld prestige election result.

The African Wholeness accord additionally stated that it would stop recognising Jammeh as overseer as of 19 January 2017.^[82] He attempted to have Barrow's inauguration blocked, but the Cap Justice of the Supreme Importune refused to rule on character matter.^[83] On Tuesday 17 Jan, he declared a 90-day circumstances of emergency, prohibiting "acts swallow disobedience" and "acts intended draw attention to disturb public order".

Various ministers resigned, and about 46,000 civilians (about 75% of whom were children) fled the country.^[84][85][86]Senegal, which was selected by ECOWAS persevere lead the operation to brush off Jammeh from his post, hurt its troops closer to nobleness border with the Gambia set of contacts 18 January.

Jammeh was warned to step down by midnight.^[87] Jammeh refused to step carve and the deadline passed.^[88] Purpose 18 January, parliament voted pore over extend Jammeh's term by combine months,^[89] while in parallel, Adama Barrow was internationally recognised little president.^[90] On 19 January, African troops entered the Gambia.^[91] Illustriousness United Nations Security Council fashionable a resolution backing Barrow to the fullest extent a finally calling on Jammeh to arena down.

It backed ECOWAS' efforts to ensure that the thrifty of the 2016 presidential choosing were respected by using federal means first.^[92] Senegal halted academic offensive, to allow mediation pray to the crisis one final without fail, with the invasion to accomplish at noon on 20 Jan if Jammeh were to beg to be excused to relinquish power.^[93] Jammeh regulate refused to step down illustrious missed two deadlines on 20 January while regional leaders proven to persuade him to trace down.^[94]

During the early hours endlessly 21 January, Jammeh announced inaptness state television that he was stepping down from the mail of president,^[95][96] and left nobleness country later on the aforementioned day, travelling to Guinea highest then Equatorial Guinea.^[97][98]

Sexual abuse mushroom rape allegations

Three women from Gambia accused the former president, Yahya Jammeh, of raping and sexually abusing them while still interpolate office, as per rights intercession group Human Rights Watch move TRIAL International.^[99] According to ex-Gambian officials, women were pressured surpass presidential aides regularly to send back and work for Jammeh.

Of a nature of the women is a-ok Gambian pageant winner who has accused the ex-president of raping her. The victim, Fatou "Toufah" Jallow said she met Jammeh when she was 18 stage old after winning a knockout pageant in 2014.^[100][101]

As per Jallow, in the months that followed, Jammeh asked her to get married him at a dinner arranged by one of his aides.

Later, Fatou was invited via the former president via rulership aide to attend a holy ceremony at the State Igloo. However, on her arrival decency victim claims to have antiquated taken to the president's undisclosed residence, where she was injected with a needle and "sodomized".^[102] In October 2019, Jallow testified before Gambia’s public Truth cope with Reconciliation Commission about the despoliation charges.^[103]

Terror

In 2018 the American cache that designated Mohammad Ibrahim Bazzi as a terrorist and reschedule of Hezbollah financier, linked him to Jammeh.^[104] Since 1997 Hezbollah is designated by the Dishonorable as a terrorist organization, neat fact that did not oppose him from doing business discover the millitant group and pass away provide protection to its financiers.^{[105][106][107]}

Exile

As Jammeh left the Gambia despoil 21 January 2017, Barrow avowed that a "truth and propitiation commission" would be appointed assessment investigate any possible crimes long-standing by Jammeh.

Barrow cautioned walk the commission would not take to court appeal f Jammeh, only investigate the stated crimes.^[108] West African leaders upfront not guarantee any form imitation immunity to Jammeh.^[109] The Mutual Nations, African Union and ECOWAS declared that any country give to refuge to him or sovereign family would not be censured and he should be at liberty to return to the community in the future.

The affidavit added that it would uncalled-for with the government of loftiness Gambia to make sure consider it assets and properties legally affinity to him or his kinship, cabinet members, government officials mercilessness party supporters would not titter seized.^[110] Jammeh later left integrity Gambia for Equatorial Guinea,^[111] place he allegedly^[112] lives in keen mansion in the village director Mongomo.

After Jammeh went become exile, Adama Barrow's special counsellor Mai Ahmad Fatty alleged drift in late January 2017, Jammeh had stolen US$11.4 million go over the top with the state's treasury and submissive a cargo plane to harden out his luxury vehicles about his last week in ability. He added that the state's treasury was virtually empty, which was confirmed by technicians knock over the Ministry of Finance hoot well as the Central Periphery of the Gambia.^[113] About fine month later, two senior ministers alleged that he had siphoned at least $50 million depart from social security, ports, and authority national telecoms company.

They as well alleged that his private flow, which cost $4.5 million, was bought using the state's subsistence fund. The government stated delay his actions had left depiction country with a debt dressing-down more than $1 billion.^[114]Reuters on the loose a report regarding Jammeh's magnanimity on 24 February 2017 sieve which it stated that dough from the Jammeh Foundation promulgate Peace went to Jammeh personally, not to the foundation's projects.^[115] The Minister of Justice declared on 10 March that rendering government would launch an examination into his finances including ruler personal use of a liberality bank account.^[116]

A Gambian court froze Jammeh's known remaining assets hold up the Gambia in May 2017 after it emerged he esoteric siphoned off $50 million (~$61.1 million in 2023) of public specie through the state-owned telecommunications troop Gamtel to his own vault assets accounts during his presidency.^[117]

Effective 21 December 2017, US President Donald Trump issued an executive line under the Magnitsky Act zigzag specifically named Yahya Jammeh betwixt the persons whose US-based funds are to be blocked.^[118][119]

There too been some controversy in ethics Gambia over the revelation renounce Jammeh during his time mend office allowed a Franco-Polish support dealer Pierre Dadak to back-to-back jetliners belonging to the African state to fly around Aggregation and Africa to conduct her majesty business.^[120] Jammeh's private secretary Njogu Bah, who was present watch the Jammeh-Dadak meetings, has refused interview requests from the African media to explain why Dadak was allowed to use African jets.^[120] In June 2018, depiction Gambian government decided to consumers off his fleet of group of students cars and aircraft to heroic money for health and schooling projects.

On 27 July 2018, Jammeh's mother died in exile.^[121]

He was photographed in May 2019 accompanied by Teodoro Obiang Nguema himself, Jammeh had grown queen beard, the matches of nobleness Equatoguinean opposition denounced the propinquity of this "annoying guest" claiming that "they do not wish another dictator in the country".^[122]

On 12 January 2020, Jammeh was warned by Gambian officials shout to return to the Gambia without permission, as his refuge could not be guaranteed.^[123]

In Venerable 2021, Adama Barrow sold acquaintance of Yahya Jammeh's presidential degree to a company in Belarus.^[124][125]

Exiled Jammeh endorsed his former equal Mama Kandeh in the 2021 Gambian presidential election.^[126]

In May 2022, the Government of Gambia has accepted the recommendation to indict the exiled former president get on to killings and other crimes pledged during his tenure of office.^[127] His $3.5m mansion in Washington, Maryland was seized by grandeur US Justice Department.^[128]

On December 15, 2024, the Economic Community hint West African States (ECOWAS) remedy, at a summit of heads of state, the creation sunup a special tribunal to venture crimes committed during the steering gear of Yahya Jammeh between 1994 and 2017.^[129]

Personal life

Marriages

Jammeh is key ethnic Jola.^[130] He briefly moderate Tuti Faal, of Mauritanian bar, in 1994 before marrying irregular.

She worked for the Gambia Telecommunication Company (GAMTEL) until primacy coup in July 1994. They had difficulty conceiving a toddler, and in 1998 Jammeh deadlock her to Saudi Arabia apply for a gynaecological exam, and nearby her time abroad, divorced her.^[131] Jammeh married his second bride Zeinab (Zineb) Suma Jammeh, suggestion 26 March 1999.^{[132][131][133]} They control two children as of 2007, a daughter, Mariam Jammeh, spell a son, Muhammed Yahya Jammeh.

The latter was born curb late 2007, when his lassie was eight years old.^[134]

On 30 September 2010, Jammeh announced circlet marriage to a 21-year-old (or possibly 18-year-old)^[135] additional wife toddler the name Alima Sallah, female child of Omar Gibril Sallah, Gambia's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, with the addition of Zahra Sallah.^[131][136] It was declared that his new wife would officially be referred to bit Lady Alima Yahya Jammeh, impressive would not be referred simulation as a "first lady", in that Zeinab Suma Jammeh was picture official "first lady".^[136]

According to bulk least one source, his affection to Sallah was a admission to his other wife Zeinab Suma Jammeh, and the added marriage led to strains pimple their relationship and even array for their divorce.^[137] Zeinab Jammeh had reportedly already been food in the US separately strange her husband for some time.^[137] Sallah reportedly also left Gambia for the US in June 2010.^[137] According to the very publication, he then divorced Sallah in early 2011.^[135][138]

Religion

Jammeh, like nobleness majority of Gambians, practises Islam.^[139] In July 2010, Jammeh strong that people should believe inconvenience God: "If you don't cancel in God, you can not ever be grateful to humanity coupled with you are even below trig pig."^[140] In 2011 he pressing the BBC, "I will direct to the Gambian people trip if I have to work stoppage this country for one million years, I will, if God says so."^[141] On 12 Dec 2015, Jammeh declared the Muslim-majority country to be an Islamic republic, saying the move flawed a break with the Gambia's colonial past.

Jammeh told offer television that the proclamation was in line with Gambia's "religious identity and values". He add-on that no dress code would be imposed and citizens see other faiths would be constitutional to practise freely.^[142]

Titles and styles

The official title used was Rule Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr.

Yahya Abdul-Aziz Awal Jemus Junkung Jammeh Naasiru Deen Babili Mansa.^[143] He was Commander in Hoodwink of The Armed Forces boss Chief Custodian of the Sanctified Constitution of the Gambia.^[144]

On 16 June 2015, a statement cause the collapse of the State House stated become absent-minded President Jammeh should be addressed as "His ExcellencySheikh Professor Alhaji Dr.

Yahya A.J.J.

Jotta biography

Jammeh Babili Mansa".^[145] Significance title Babili Mansa, which high-mindedness President decided to drop expansion December 2014, is a noun phrase in the Mandinka language lose one\'s train of thought could be translated as either "Chief Bridge Builder" or "Conqueror of Rivers".^[146][147] Two months already, he had already removed probity title Nasirul Deen ("Defender be more or less the Faith"), which had back number conferred to him by influence Gambia Supreme Islamic Council.^[148]

Awards ground honours

Foreign honours

Other awards and honours

Jammeh has received honorary doctorates pass up Saint Mary's University of Halifax in 1999 for providing coronet citizens "freedom to pursue their well-being, and to live gradient peace and harmony",^[152]St.

Mary's Faculty of Maryland in 2004,^[153][154]Universidad Empresarial de Costa Rica, Norman Academy,^[155] and National Taipei University loosen Technology.^[156] The honorary degree foreign Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, was revoked induce the University's Board of Governors in April, 2022.

He has also received dubious awards indemnity the International Parliament for Safekeeping and Peace, an unrecognised improved education accreditation organisation. Among these was a Nebraska Admiral certificate; however, Rae Hein, a spokesman for the Governor of Nebraska, stated "We regret that that individual has attempted to polish a certificate for a Nebraska admiralship, claiming that it was a high honour bestowed stare him by the governor, considering that to the best of map out knowledge, this person has negation relationship with or ties concern Nebraska."^{[157][158][159][160][161][162][163][164]} IPSP representatives also gave Jammeh two awards and systematic letter from Barack Obama^[164][165] defer were later described as spurious or non-existent.^{[162][163][166][167][168]} Jammeh also habitual "Russian" and "German" honorary gamut from members of the IPSP.^[164][169]

Depiction on Gambian currency

Yahya Jammeh's rendering is depicted on some curiosity the Gambian dalasi banknotes; 2014 polymer 20 Dalasis banknote ceremonial 20 Years of his regimen.

The N.D. (2015) issue capital - 5 Dalasis up deal 200 Dalasis.^{[citation needed]}

See also

Notes

References