Zeinab suma jammeh biography sample

President of the Gambia yield 1996 to 2017

Yahya Abdul-Aziz Jemus Junkung Jammeh (born 25 May well 1965) is a Gambian mp and military dictator who overthrew the elected government and became President of the Gambia strip 1996 to 2017, as successfully as Chairman of the Equipped Forces Provisional Ruling Council (AFPRC) from 1994 to 1996.

Jammeh was born in Kanilai, timetabled West Coast Region of class Gambia, and is a Muhammadan of the Jola ethnic agree. He attended Gambia High Institute in Banjul from 1978 get into 1983 and served in excellence Gambian National Gendarmerie from 1984 to 1989. He was followed by commissioned as an officer chuck out the Gambian National Army, overlooking the Military Police from 1992 to 1994.

In July 1994, he came to power soak leading a bloodless coup d'etat that overthrew the elected control of Sir Dawda Jawara. Recoil first ruling by decree, sand was elected president in distinction 1996 election. Jammeh was re-elected as president in 2001, 2006 and 2011, but lost give explanation Adama Barrowin 2016.

His administration oversaw a shift towards shogunate, demonstrated in particular by surmount policies towards anti-government journalists, LGBT+ people and opposition parties.

Rulership foreign policy led to resolute difficulties with the country's only neighbour, Senegal. In 2013, Jammeh withdrew the Gambia from representation Commonwealth of Nations and worship 2016 he began the approach of withdrawing the country expend the International Criminal Court, song year after he declared greatness nation an Islamic republic.

Conclusion three decisions were later rescinded by successor government, despite Jammeh's supporters arguing that his transalpine policy encouraged self-sufficiency and anti-colonialism.

Jammeh has been accused emancipation serious human rights violations, much as murder, rape and rack, as highlighted in the valedictory report of the Truth, Pacification and Reparations Commission.

He assignment now living in exile fall to pieces Equatorial Guinea. His assets walk the world have been hibernal by many countries amidst auxiliary accusations of stealing millions pass judgment on dollars from his country view fund a life of prosperity. Jammeh has denied the allegations against him.

Early life pivotal military service

Jammeh was first on 25 May 1965 birdcage Kanilai, a village in excellence Foni Kansala district of authority Western Division of the Gambia.

He is the son work Aja Fatou Ashombi Bojang, a-ok housewife and trader, and Abdul Aziz James Junkung Jammeh, grand career wrestler. Jammeh's grandparents migrated to the Gambia from excellence Casamance region of Senegal.^[3] Significant had a rural upbringing introduction part of a MuslimJola kith and kin, primarily focused in Kanilai.

Horn of his closest childhood enterprise was reportedly Mustapha James Kujabi.^[4] He attended Kanilai primary high school, Saint Edwards primary school tension Bwiam, from 1972 to 1978. After passing the common entry (CE) exam, he was awarded a government scholarship to Gambia High School in Banjul, ton 1978. His formal education extinct after he was successful acquire his O Levels in 1983.^[5][6][7]

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

Smartness was part of the Memorable Intervention Unit from 1984 space 1986 and was an guardian training instructor at the Gendarmery Training School from 1986 surrounding 1989. He was promoted cheer sergeant in April 1986, bid to cadet officer in Dec 1987.^[6] A former Gendarmerie political appointee, Binneh S.

Minteh, later designated that Jammeh "had always singled out Mandinkas as bad people" during his time as unblended Gendarme. In particular, Minteh come about Jammeh's "ruthless and disrespectful encounter" with sergeant major Kebba Dibba, and when he "brandished undiluted pistol and threatened to shoot" a captain named Ebrima Camara simply on the basis have a high regard for his ethnicity.^[9]

He joined the African National Army and was licenced as a second lieutenant fib 29 September 1989, serving laugh the officer in charge (OIC) of the Presidential Escort, quarter of the Presidential Guards, diverge 1989 to 1990.

In 1991, he served as the office-holder commanding (OC) the Mobile Constabulary, and from 1992 to 1994 was the OC of blue blood the gentry Gambia National Army Military Law enforcement agency.

Biography christopher

On 1 February 1992, he had archaic promoted to lieutenant. Jammeh was the head of security aspect attached to Pope John Undesirable II during his visit estimate the Gambia in February 1992.^[10] He attended the Military Policemen Officers Basic Course (MPOBC) struggle Fort McClellan in the Leagued States from September 1993 tend January 1994.^[6]

1994 coup d'etat wallet military rule

1994 coup d'etat

Jammeh was one of the four in the springtime of li Army officers who organised blue blood the gentry 1994 coup d'etat against Sir Dawda Jawara's government.

The assail three were Sana Sabally, Sadibou Hydara and Edward Singateh. Significance coup, which took place fixed firmly 22 July 1994, was flourishing and bloodless, leading to Jawara fleeing into exile.^[11] Four date later, on 26 July, dignity Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Legislature (AFPRC) was formed with Jammeh as its chairman.^[7] Jammeh affianced that it would be spiffy tidy up "coup with a difference", settle down that the country would live returned to civilian rule "as soon as we have nonnegotiable things right".

One result take off the coup was that prestige European Union and the In partnership States, the major donors help foreign aid to the Gambia, suspended their aid programmes undecided the country was returned backing civil rule. Jammeh claimed magnanimity suspension of aid programmes amounted to "neocolonialism". A Western ambassador who spoke to The Creative York Times said, "This legal action exactly the same phenomenon phenomenon have seen elsewhere, with honesty only difference being that to such a degree accord far there has been clumsy violence." In particular, the affair was compared with Samuel Doe's in the Liberia, which pilot to the First Liberian Elegant War.^[5]

The 1994 coup d'etat come by the Gambia, overthrowing the direction of Sir Dawda Jawara, insubstantial a reversal in the common trend in sub-Saharan Africa tail 1989 away from authoritarianism become more intense towards multiparty politics.

The Gambia had previously represented an person in Africa as one raise the few countries that abstruse a functioning democracy prior envision 1989.^[12]

Rule through the AFPRC

In nobility aftermath of the coup, Jammeh governed by decree alongside quadruplet other junior officers and some civilians. He banned all public activity, arrested two socialist multitude, and detained several of surmount Army superiors.

He also incommodious ministers of Jawara's government get it wrong house arrest.^[5] On 17 Oct, Jammeh announced that there would be a four-year transition dispense civilian government. In November 1994, the same month when Jammeh was formally promoted to probity rank of captain, there was an unsuccessful coup attempt give up several disaffected young officers cover to numerous deaths, but Jammeh remained in power.

The Popular Consultative Committee (NCC) was fitted on 7 December to study the transition process, and as they reported on 27 Jan 1995, they recommended a biennial transition period. The same trip as the NCC's report, bend over of the original coup front line, Sabally and Hydara, launched diversity unsuccessful attempt to overthrow Jammeh as chairman.

Subsequently, Edward Singateh was appointed as vice-chairman human the AFPRC, and Hydara monotonous in prison on 3 June.^[11]

The Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) was appointed in April 1995 abstruse reported to the government secure November 1995. Its report was published in March 1996 was put to a national poll on 8 August 1996.

Justness new constitution, which provided mention multiparty elections, an unlimited calculate of five-year presidential terms, stand for a lowering of the balloting age from 21 to 18, was approved by a comfortable circumstances of 70%. According to African American author Abdoulaye Saine, Jammeh would "[enjoy] unrivalled political extremity economic power as a common of the new constitution.

Sound contrast, opposition political parties [would be] sidelined and allowed round about political space in a partial electoral contest in which Jammeh was the assured ‘winner’."^[13] Statute no. 89, issued on 14 August, reiterated the ban rubbish the PPP, the NCP cope with the GPP, but lifted position ban on the PDOIS attend to the PDP.

In 1996, jump 28 August, Jammeh was officially promoted to the rank taste colonel and then retired running off the army on 6 Sept, one month before the 1996 presidential election.^[11]

1996 and 1997 elections

Jammeh won the 1996 presidential determination as the APRC candidate, endearing 56% of the vote move beating Ousainou Darboe, Hamat Bah and Sidia Jatta.

Darboe was forced to seek refuge scheduled the Senegalese embassy in Port, fearing an assassination plot.^[14] Disclose the 1997 parliamentary election, magnanimity first to the new Ceremonial Assembly put in place unreceptive the 1996 constitution, the APRC won a majority of spaces. However, these two elections, decency first following the transition exaggerate military to civil rule, were "marred by provisions of honourableness new, doctored constitution, an electoral commission appointed by Jammeh get round in 1995 and a state network that included the Verdant Boys – a now-disbanded volunteer group that was mobilised be adjacent to intimidate the electorate to promise Jammeh’s ‘victory’." Saine argues range this combination of intimidation predominant harassment of the opposition, stick in inherent bias provided by glory 1996 constitution, as well style a distinct financial advantage, designed that "the presidential and steady assembly elections were lost scuttle before the first ballot was cast."^[13]

Elections

Jammeh founded the Alliance mix Patriotic Reorientation and Construction bring in his political party.

He was elected as president in Sept 1996.^[15] Foreign observers did band deem these elections free beginning fair.^[15] He was re-elected finely tuned 18 October 2001 with give the once over 53% of the vote; that election was generally deemed straightforward and fair by observers,^[16] insult some very serious shortcomings rife from overt government intimidation be incumbent on voters to technical innovations (such as raising the required curb to stand for election shy a factor of 25) be familiar with distort the process in act of kindness of the incumbent regime.^[17]

A enterprise attempt against Jammeh was popular to have been thwarted categorization 21 March 2006; Jammeh, who was in Mauritania at illustriousness time, quickly returned home.

Drove chief of staff Col. Ndure Cham, the alleged leader expose the plot,^[18] reportedly fled castigate neighbouring Senegal, while other socalled conspirators were arrested^[19] and were put on trial for treason.^[20] In April 2007, ten previous officers accused of involvement were convicted and given prison sentences; four of them were sentenced to life in prison.^[21]

Jammeh ran for a third term change for the better the presidential election held chaos 22 September 2006; the choice was initially planned for Oct but was moved forward owing to of the Muslim holy four weeks of Ramadan.^[22] He was re-elected with 67.3% of the elect and was declared the warrior of the election; the paralelling candidate Ousainou Darboe finished shortly, as in 2001.^[23]

In November 2011, Jammeh was again re-elected bring in president for a fourth passing in office, reportedly having old hat 72% of the popular vote.^[24]

Domestic policy

Suppression of the press

One asset Jammeh's consistent targets throughout emperor time as President was leadership press and the media, introduction a whole as well in the same way individual journalists.

In 1998, interpretation independent Citizen FM radio side was forced to close aft a number of its club were arrested and its predicament was confiscated. After its Inhabitant proprietor sold it to graceful businessman with close ties set a limit Jammeh in 1999, The Everyday Observer became notably pro-Jammeh.^[25] Occupy August 2000, the anti-government Crystal set 1 FM suffered an fire-raising attack.^[26] Abdoulaye Saine states lose one\'s train of thought Jammeh was able to prevail on Gambia Radio & Television Servicing as his personal propaganda come out with whenever he required.^[27]

Jammeh had beholden a number of public statements against the press.

In July 2000, he said that "anybody bent on disturbing the calm and stability of the usage [should] be buried six stall deep."^[26] In April 2004, Jammeh told journalists to obey king government "or go to hell". In June 2005, he put into words that he had allowed "too much freedom of expression" get in touch with the Gambia.^[28]

In response to rulership suppression of the press gift media in the Gambia, many online newspapers and radio post were established by self-exiled African journalists to publicise alleged reach a decision atrocities.

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

Jammeh also saw through legislation stop working restrict the activities of distinction press. The Newspaper Act 1994 imposed criminal penalties on unofficial publications that failed to remunerate a yearly registration fee. Honesty National Media Communication Act 2000 forced journalists to reveal private sources to police and nobleness judiciary on demand.^[26] In Dec 2004, the Criminal Code (Amendment) Bill 2004 allowed prison manner of speaking for defamation and sedition.

Probity same month, the Newspaper (Amendment) Bill 2004 required newspaper proprietors to purchase expensive operating licenses and forcing them to agenda their homes as security.

A number of individual journalists were also targeted. In December 2004, Deyda Hydara, then editor pay the bill The Point, announced his cause to publicly challenge newly-introduced charter restricting press freedoms.

He was shot and killed when on the go home in Banjul on 16 December, leading to thousands gripe on the streets.^[29] Some spiky at the government, led manage without Jammeh, as the murderers, nevertheless it has remained unsolved.^[29] Besides, in July 2006, Ebrima Manneh of The Daily Observer was arrested by state security astern attempting to publish a BBC report critical of Jammeh.

Emperor arrest was witnessed by circlet coworkers,^[30] and, despite being total to release Manneh by upshot ECOWAS court, the government denied that Manneh was still imprisoned.^[31] An unnamed police source uttered that he believed Manneh "is no longer alive".^[31] Both Indulgence International and the Committee put the finishing touches to Protect Journalists have called commandeer his release.^[30][32]

Women's rights

In 1999, Jammeh called those who campaigned averse female genital mutilation (FGM) "enemies of Islam".^[33] In December 2015, Jammeh banned FGM in ethics Gambia, labelling the practice thanks to having "no place in Mohammadanism or in modern society"; single that ignored the ban would face a prison sentence call up up to three years.

Back end the end of Ramadan elitist Eid ul-Fitr in July 2016, Jammeh further announced a forbid on child marriages. In 2016, some 30% of women were married while under the lift-off of 18. Yahya Jammeh's answer was that anyone caught society a girl under 18 majority of age would be imprisoned for up to twenty years.^[34]

Judiciary

As President, Jammeh had significant feel over the judiciary in honourableness Gambia, particularly because Section 98 of the 1996 constitution permits the President to appoint book directly.^[35] Saine argues that Jammeh's employment of judges mainly suffer the loss of other Commonwealth countries allowed him to effectively issue tough sentences to reduce dissent and endorsement imprison both real and seeming threats to the president's power.^[36]

LGBT rights

See also: LGBT rights suspend the Gambia

On 15 May 2008, Jammeh announced that his command would introduce legislation that would set laws against homosexuals defer would be "stricter than those in Iran", and that fiasco would "cut off the head" of any gay or bent person discovered in the country.^[37] News reports indicated his administration intended to execute all homosexuals in the country.^[37] In expert speech given in Tallinding, Jammeh gave a "final ultimatum" utility any gays or lesbians boring the Gambia, warning them regard leave the country.^[37] In grand speech to the United Hand-outs on 27 September 2013, Jammeh said "[h]omosexuality in all neat forms and manifestations which, in spite of very evil, antihuman as in triumph as anti-Allah, is being promoted as a human right building block some powers," who "want scolding put an end to hominoid existence."^[38] On 18 February 2014, Jammeh called homosexuals "vermins" soak saying that: "We will stand up to these vermins [sic] called "homosexuals" make available "gays" the same way incredulity are fighting malaria-causing mosquitoes, providing not more aggressively".

He likewise went on to disparage birth LGBT by saying that "As far as I am involve, LGBT can only stand tail Leprosy, Gonorrhoea, Bacteria and Tb, all of which are prejudicial to human existence".^[39][40]

In May 2015, in defiance of Western deprecation, Jammeh intensified his anti-gay grandiloquence, telling a crowd during book agricultural tour: "If you gettogether it [in the Gambia] Farcical will slit your throat – if you are a chap and want to marry alternate man in this country illustrious we catch you, no separate will ever set eyes event you again, and no bloodless person can do anything walk it."^[41]

This prompted a fresh decorate of condemnation from international android rights leaders.

US National Retreat AdvisorSusan Rice released a relation of condemnation on 16 Might 2015: "We condemn his comments, and note these threats receive amid an alarming deterioration corporeal the broader human rights event in the Gambia", said Responsibility. "We are deeply concerned problem credible reports of torture, unbelieving disappearances – including of mirror image American citizens – and capricious detention at the government's hands".^[42]

HIV/AIDS policy

In January 2007, Jammeh suspected he could cure HIV/AIDS stall asthma with natural herbs.^[43][44][45] Climax claimed treatment program includes avenue patients to cease taking their anti-retroviral drugs.^[46][47] His claims have to one`s name been criticised for promoting seatofthepants treatment that could have anodyne results, including the infection a range of others by those who simplicity they had been cured wedge the method.^[43][44] In December 2011, he restated during an investigate that the alleged cure vindicate HIV/AIDS was "going very well".^[48]

Fadzai Gwaradzimba, the country representative grip the United Nations Development Contrivance in the Gambia, was booming to leave the country astern she expressed doubts about distinction claims and said the cure might encourage risky behaviour.^[49] Thrill August 2007, Jammeh claimed far have developed a single adhesive herbal infusion that could use high blood pressure.^[50] Jammeh has also claimed to develop clean up treatment for infertility in cohort as part of what appreciation called the President's Alternative Management Program (PATP).^[51][52][53]

Foreign policy

Senegal

August and Oct 2005 saw a border blood feud with Senegal over increased transport prices for crossings over interpretation Gambia River.^[54] Jammeh has ingenious close relationship with Jolas tight the Casamance region of Senegal, who allowed him to "rule with impunity".

In turn, Jammeh supported the rebels in distinction Casamance conflict, by engaging unappealing the trade of illegal blockhead, small arms, and also money-laundering with the rebel groups.^[36]

Mediation advocate peacekeeping role

Shortly after the outburst of the Guinea-Bissau Civil Hostilities in June 1998, Jammeh sought-after a peaceful resolution to interpretation conflict.

He personally canvassed district opinion on the war accomplish Cape Verde, Mauritania, Guinea be first Senegal. He also sent Momodou Lamin Sedat Jobe, his far-out minister, to meet with be at variance leader Ansumane Mané to swot up to arrange peace talks improve Banjul, though these efforts were fruitless.

According to The Everyday Observer, on 10 December 2012, Jammeh secured the release all-round Senegalese soldiers who had antique held as hostages by rebels.^[55] He sent a delegation strengthen meet with Senegalese president Macky Sall in early December 2012. The delegation's goal was dressingdown discuss a resolution to birth ongoing civil unrest in Senegal's southern region of Casamance.^[56] Brothers of the delegation included ethics Minister of Presidential Affairs, rank US ambassador to the Gambia, and members from the Inbuilt Cross and Red Crescent.^[56]

The Jammeh Foundation for Peace (JFP) was created by Jammeh to element eradicate poverty among Gambians, upgrade agricultural production, and sponsor cautionary opportunities for needy students.

Honourableness foundation has a hospital prowl is sponsored by the chairwoman and provides medical services enhance the general public.^[57]

Donations in 2012 included $2,563,138 to the Resolute Youths Conference and Festival,^[58] existing "two truckloads of turkey" give up the Gambia Christian Council engage delivery to the Christian group.

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

Taiwan

See also: The Gambia–Taiwan relations

Taiwan was once the "financial lifeline" particular Jammeh's regime, providing financial relieve as part of its crusade for international recognition at significance United Nations.^[27] Taiwanese president Old lady Ying-jeou visited the Gambia past Jammeh's presidency.

However, Jammeh next cut ties with Taiwan.

Human rights abuses

2000 shooting of students

See also: April 2000 Gambian follower massacre

On 10 and 11 Apr 2000, the government was offender of the killing of 14 students and a journalist extensive a student demonstration to target the death of a schoolchild in the Gambia.

Jammeh was accused of ordering the violent of the students, but magnanimity government denied the allegations. Neat government commission of inquiry reportedly concluded that the Police Involvement Unit (PIU) officers were "largely responsible" for many of righteousness deaths and other injuries.^[60] Description commission also said that pentad soldiers of the 2nd Foot Battalion were responsible for prestige deaths of two students outburst Brikama.

The government stated zigzag the report implicated several PIU officers in the students' deaths and injuries, but those chargeable were not prosecuted.^[60]

2005 killing robust West African migrants

Testimony to nobleness Gambia's Truth, Reconciliation and Exemption Commission (TRRC) between 2019 with the addition of 2021 implicated Gambian military civil service and the Junglers, a force unit commanded by Jammeh, bind the 2005 killings of 50–60 West African migrants, mostly Ghanians, destined for Europe.

This corroborates 2018 findings by Human Assert Watch and TRIAL International superior the same incident, but contradicts an unpublished UN/ECOWAS report saunter attributed the killings to villain security personnel.^[1]

According to defence opinion National Intelligence Agency officials who testified to TRRC, these migrants were detained in the immediate area of Barra on 22 July 2005, and then tortured hit down various detention centers around Port.

The bodies of eight be successful the migrants were found at hand Ghana Town the following allocate, while two people escaped however disappeared on 24 July. Loftiness 40–45 survivors were summarily concluded in Senegal, across the confederate border from Jammeh's hometown pressure Kanilai, except for one unfortunate.

Ex-Junglers who testified attributed justness execution orders to Jammeh actually. The Jammeh administration proceeded habitation cover up the incident superior Ghana and ECOWAS.^[1]

2009 witch hunt campaign

In March 2009 Amnesty Intercontinental reported that up to 1,000 Gambians had been abducted toddler government-sponsored "witch doctors" on excise of witchcraft, and taken criticism government detention centres where they were forced to drink soiled water with poisonous herbs; that left several captives with sequelae.^[61][62] On 21 May 2009, The New York Times reported stray the alleged witch-hunting campaign locked away been sparked by the Guide Yahya Jammeh, who believed focus the death of his mock earlier that year could endure attributed to witchcraft.^[63] These crimes were influenced by Bissauguinean numero uno João Bernardo Vieira's assassination opportunity 2 March 2009.^[64]

Disappearances and imprisonments

Newspaper reports list dozens of kith who have disappeared after continuance picked up by men domestic animals plain-clothes, and others who own acquire languished under indefinite detention provision months or years without implicate or trial.^[65] The regional Mercantile Community of West African States (ECOWAS) court ordered the African government to produce one newspaperman who had disappeared.^[66][67][68] In Apr 2016, at least 50 be sociable were arrested during a badge, and there were fears rove Solo Sandeng, an opposition mp, died alongside two others duration being held in detention.

Bind July 2016, a Gambian counteraction leader and another 18 mankind were sentenced to three mature in jail for participation directive the April demonstration. A African diplomat publicly denied that Sandeng had died in custody.^[69]

2014 bargain attempt

Main article: 2014 Gambian business attempt

On 30 December 2014, gunmen attacked the State House clutch the Gambia, the official statesmanlike residence.

Local media quickly constant them as having entered nobility country from neighbouring Senegal convince the command of Lt Identity card. Lamin Sanneh.^[70] Yahya Jammeh ran away and was out be in the region of the country, with sources distinct on whether he was provide France or Dubai.^[71]

However, with dignity gunmen failing to consolidate rein in, the coup failed.

Jammeh reciprocal to Gambia the following day.^[72]

2016 election, crisis and ECOWAS intervention

See also: 2016–2017 Gambian constitutional vital moment and ECOWAS military intervention locked in the Gambia

Ahead of the 2016 presidential election a number use up opposition members, including United Representative Party leader Ousainou Darboe, were sentenced to three years exclaim jail for staging pro-democracy protests.

In a public address, Jammeh called members of the comparison "opportunistic people supported by integrity West," adding that "I longing bow to only Allah trip my mother. I will on no account tolerate opposition to destabilize that country."^[69] The election itself took place on 1 December 2016 and, in a surprise clarification, Jammeh was defeated by Adama Barrow leading a coalition livestock opposition parties.^[73] At first, Jammeh stated that he would mewl contest the result.^[74]

Although Jammeh firstly conceded defeat, on 9 Dec 2016 he rejected the get done citing "unacceptable abnormalities".^[75] He 1 announced that he had false the result, pending a pristine vote.^[76] He then filed organized petition with the Supreme Scan of the Gambia to event the result.^[77] The court began hearing the case on 21 December.^[78]ECOWAS warned on 23 Dec that it would militarily become involved to uphold the results close the eyes to the election if Jammeh didn't resign by 19 January.^[79] Jammeh appointed six new judges run on the Supreme Court, having ravaged all but one in 2015.

The hearing was to engrave heard on 10 January,^[80] on the contrary was delayed until May.^[81] Jammeh stated that he would inimitable relinquish the presidency if primacy court upheld the election emulsion.

The African Union additionally confirmed that it would stop recognising Jammeh as president as archetypal 19 January 2017.^[82] He attempted to have Barrow's inauguration obstructed, but the Chief Justice get the message the Supreme Court refused cork rule on the matter.^[83] Judge Tuesday 17 January, he professed a 90-day state of difficulty, prohibiting "acts of disobedience" see "acts intended to disturb be revealed order".

Various ministers resigned, topmost about 46,000 civilians (about 75% of whom were children) unfriendly the country.^[84][85][86]Senegal, which was chosen by ECOWAS to lead goodness operation to remove Jammeh strip his post, moved its crowd closer to the border get a feel for the Gambia on 18 Jan.

Jammeh was warned to footstep down by midnight.^[87] Jammeh refused to step down and righteousness deadline passed.^[88] On 18 Jan, parliament voted to extend Jammeh's term by three months,^[89] term in parallel, Adama Barrow was internationally recognised as president.^[90] Uncertainty 19 January, Senegalese troops entered the Gambia.^[91] The United Offerings Security Council approved a setup backing Barrow while calling block Jammeh to step down.

Postponement backed ECOWAS' efforts to secure that the results of depiction 2016 presidential election were revered by using political means first.^[92] Senegal halted its offensive, provision allow mediation of the emergency one final time, with birth invasion to proceed at noontide on 20 January if Jammeh were to refuse to renounce power.^[93] Jammeh again refused come within reach of step down and missed cardinal deadlines on 20 January term regional leaders tried to grab him to step down.^[94]

During primacy early hours of 21 Jan, Jammeh announced on state constrain that he was stepping mark from the post of president,^[95][96] and left the country afterward on the same day, restless to Guinea and then Tropic Guinea.^[97][98]

Sexual abuse and rape allegations

Three women from Gambia accused prestige former president, Yahya Jammeh, out-and-out raping and sexually abusing them while still in office, gorilla per rights advocacy group Human being Rights Watch and TRIAL International.^[99] According to ex-Gambian officials, troop were pressured by presidential aides regularly to visit and duct for Jammeh.

One of ethics women is a Gambian parade winner who has accused class ex-president of raping her. Picture victim, Fatou "Toufah" Jallow held she met Jammeh when she was 18 years old funding winning a beauty pageant choose by ballot 2014.^[100][101]

As per Jallow, in character months that followed, Jammeh without being prompted her to marry him balanced a dinner organized by single of his aides.

Later, Fatou was invited by the nark president via his aide in the matter of attend a religious ceremony hit out at the State House. However, tipoff her arrival the victim claims to have been taken fit in the president's private residence, pivot she was injected with undiluted needle and "sodomized".^[102] In Oct 2019, Jallow testified before Gambia’s public Truth and Reconciliation Forty winks about the rape charges.^[103]

Terror

In 2018 the American treasury that contained Mohammad Ibrahim Bazzi as organized terrorist and one of Hezbollah financier, linked him to Jammeh.^[104] Since 1997 Hezbollah is counted by the US as neat as a pin terrorist organization, a fact delay did not prevent him detach from doing business with the millitant group and to provide shield to its financiers.^{[105][106][107]}

Exile

As Jammeh heraldry sinister the Gambia on 21 Jan 2017, Barrow stated that smart "truth and reconciliation commission" would be appointed to investigate cockamamie possible crimes committed by Jammeh.

Barrow cautioned that the lie-down would not prosecute Jammeh, exclusive investigate the alleged crimes.^[108] Westbound African leaders did not insist any form of immunity conform Jammeh.^[109] The United Nations, Individual Union and ECOWAS declared turn this way any country offering refuge strike him or his family would not be punished and oversight should be free to come back to the country in rank future.

The statement added focus it would work with decency government of the Gambia keep make sure that assets champion properties legally belonging to him or his family, cabinet employees, government officials or party clientele would not be seized.^[110] Jammeh later left the Gambia convey Equatorial Guinea,^[111] where he allegedly^[112] lives in a mansion increase twofold the village of Mongomo.

After Jammeh went into exile, Adama Barrow's special adviser Mai Ahmad Fatty alleged that in brandish January 2017, Jammeh had taken US$11.4 million from the state's treasury and used a consignment plane to ship out circlet luxury vehicles during his last few week in power. He prep added to that the state's treasury was virtually empty, which was hardened by technicians in the The cloth of Finance as well gorilla the Central Bank of probity Gambia.^[113] About a month late, two senior ministers alleged ditch he had siphoned at littlest $50 million from social protection, ports, and the national telecoms company.

They also alleged lose concentration his private jet, which valuation $4.5 million, was bought armor the state's pension fund. Prestige government stated that his ball games had left the country go out with a debt of more top $1 billion.^[114]Reuters released a make a note of regarding Jammeh's charity on 24 February 2017 in which network stated that funds from righteousness Jammeh Foundation for Peace went to Jammeh himself, not arranged the foundation's projects.^[115] The Clergywoman of Justice announced on 10 March that the government would launch an investigation into cap finances including his personal compact of a charity bank account.^[116]

A Gambian court froze Jammeh's be revealed remaining assets in the Gambia in May 2017 after fare emerged he had siphoned far-off $50 million (~$61.1 million in 2023) of public money through ethics state-owned telecommunications company Gamtel regard his own bank accounts all along his presidency.^[117]

Effective 21 December 2017, US President Donald Trump be awarded pounce on an executive order under description Magnitsky Act that specifically dubbed Yahya Jammeh among the humanity whose US-based assets are know be blocked.^[118][119]

There also been callous controversy in the Gambia misfortune the revelation that Jammeh nearby his time in office legitimate a Franco-Polish arms dealer Pierre Dadak to use jetliners association to the Gambian state belong fly around Europe and Continent to conduct his business.^[120] Jammeh's private secretary Njogu Bah, who was present at the Jammeh-Dadak meetings, has refused interview requests from the Gambian media elect explain why Dadak was allowable to use Gambian jets.^[120] Disclose June 2018, the Gambian regulation decided to auction off her majesty fleet of luxury cars elitist aircraft to raise money let somebody see health and education projects.

And

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 monarch beard, the matches of character Equatoguinean opposition denounced the attendance of this "annoying guest" claiming that "they do not pine for another dictator in the country".^[122]

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

In Sedate 2021, Adama Barrow sold susceptible of Yahya Jammeh's presidential plane to a company in Belarus.^[124][125]

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

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

On December 15, 2024, the Economic Community explain West African States (ECOWAS) in, at a summit of heads of state, the creation reproach a special tribunal to storm crimes committed during the berth of Yahya Jammeh between 1994 and 2017.^[129]

Personal life

Marriages

Jammeh is unadorned ethnic Jola.^[130] He briefly traditionalist Tuti Faal, of Mauritanian slope, in 1994 before marrying convoy.

She worked for the Gambia Telecommunication Company (GAMTEL) until say publicly coup in July 1994. They had difficulty conceiving a descendant, and in 1998 Jammeh purport her to Saudi Arabia pray a gynaecological exam, and at hand her time abroad, divorced her.^[131] Jammeh married his second her indoors Zeinab (Zineb) Suma Jammeh, vicious circle 26 March 1999.^{[132][131][133]} They be blessed with two children as of 2007, a daughter, Mariam Jammeh, subject a son, Muhammed Yahya Jammeh.

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

On 30 September 2010, Jammeh announced monarch marriage to a 21-year-old (or possibly 18-year-old)^[135] additional wife moisten the name Alima Sallah, lassie of Omar Gibril Sallah, Gambia's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, jaunt Zahra Sallah.^[131][136] It was declared that his new wife would officially be referred to primate Lady Alima Yahya Jammeh, opinion would not be referred relative to as a "first lady", on account of Zeinab Suma Jammeh was representation official "first lady".^[136]

According to inspect least one source, his nuptials to Sallah was a get a move on to his other wife Zeinab Suma Jammeh, and the addon marriage led to strains tear their relationship and even array for their divorce.^[137] Zeinab Jammeh had reportedly already been live in the US separately immigrant 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 righteousness majority of Gambians, practises Islam.^[139] In July 2010, Jammeh tight nautical in good that people should believe birth God: "If you don't suspect in God, you can not in any way be grateful to humanity become calm you are even below skilful pig."^[140] In 2011 he booming the BBC, "I will forward to the Gambian people deed if I have to produce this country for one gazillion 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 significant a break with the Gambia's colonial past.

Jammeh told refurbish television that the proclamation was in line with Gambia's "religious identity and values". He broaden that no dress code would be imposed and citizens clever other faiths would be authorized to practise freely.^[142]

Titles and styles

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

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

On 16 June 2015, a statement overexert the State House stated put off President Jammeh should be addressed as "His ExcellencySheikh Professor Alhaji Dr.

Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh Babili Mansa".^[145] The title Babili Mansa, which the President decided extract drop in December 2014, give something the onceover a phrase in the Mandinka language that could be translated as either "Chief Bridge Builder" or "Conqueror of Rivers".^[146][147] Bend in half months before, he had by now removed the title Nasirul Deen ("Defender of the Faith"), which had been conferred to him by the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council.^[148]

Awards and honours

Foreign honours

Other bays and honours

Jammeh has received nominal doctorates from Saint Mary's Foundation of Halifax in 1999 optimism providing his citizens "freedom utility pursue their well-being, and optimism live in peace and harmony",^[152]St.

Mary's College of Maryland grasp 2004,^[153][154]Universidad Empresarial de Costa Rica, Norman Academy,^[155] and National Taipeh University of Technology.^[156] The optional degree from Saint Mary's Order of the day in Halifax, Nova Scotia, was revoked by the University's Aim for of Governors in April, 2022.

He has also received unconfident distrustful awards through the International Congress for Safety and Peace, devise unrecognised higher education accreditation disposal. Among these was a Nebraska Admiral certificate; however, Rae Hein, a spokeswoman for the Commander of Nebraska, stated "We crying that this individual has attempted to embellish a certificate make a Nebraska admiralship, claiming deviate it was a high title bestowed upon him by honourableness governor, when to the unlimited of our knowledge, this woman has no relationship with secondary ties to Nebraska."^{[157][158][159][160][161][162][163][164]} IPSP representatives also gave Jammeh two distinction and a letter from Barack Obama^[164][165] that were later asserted as inauthentic or non-existent.^{[162][163][166][167][168]} Jammeh also received "Russian" and "German" honorary degrees from members virtuous the IPSP.^[164][169]

Depiction on Gambian currency

Yahya Jammeh's portrait is depicted enhance some of the Gambian decalitre banknotes; 2014 polymer 20 Dalasis banknote commemorating 20 Years atlas his regime.

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

See also

Notes

References