Zeinab jammeh biography for kids

President of the Gambia stranger 1996 to 2017

Yahya Abdul-Aziz Jemus Junkung Jammeh (born 25 Hawthorn 1965) is a Gambian mp and military dictator who overthrew the elected government and became President of the Gambia outlandish 1996 to 2017, as able-bodied as Chairman of the Geared up Forces Provisional Ruling Council (AFPRC) from 1994 to 1996.

Jammeh was born in Kanilai, remove West Coast Region of rendering Gambia, and is a Moslem of the Jola ethnic rank. He attended Gambia High Faculty in Banjul from 1978 infer 1983 and served in honesty Gambian National Gendarmerie from 1984 to 1989. He was commit fraud commissioned as an officer slow the Gambian National Army, vigorous the Military Police from 1992 to 1994.

In July 1994, he came to power offspring leading a bloodless coup d'etat that overthrew the elected reach a decision of Sir Dawda Jawara. Take into account first ruling by decree, be active was elected president in birth 1996 election. Jammeh was re-elected as president in 2001, 2006 and 2011, but lost nominate Adama Barrowin 2016.

His berth oversaw a shift towards dictatorship, demonstrated in particular by enthrone policies towards anti-government journalists, LGBT+ people and opposition parties.

Surmount foreign policy led to steadfast difficulties with the country's particular neighbour, Senegal. In 2013, Jammeh withdrew the Gambia from grandeur Commonwealth of Nations and clasp 2016 he began the procedure of withdrawing the country hit upon the International Criminal Court, make sure of year after he declared illustriousness nation an Islamic republic.

Shuffle three decisions were later rescinded by successor government, despite Jammeh's supporters arguing that his nonnative policy encouraged self-sufficiency and anti-colonialism.

Jammeh has been accused have a high opinion of serious human rights violations, specified as murder, rape and distress, as highlighted in the in response report of the Truth, Reunion and Reparations Commission.

He high opinion now living in exile constrict Equatorial Guinea. His assets approximately the world have been glaciated by many countries amidst more accusations of stealing millions outline dollars from his country next fund a life of course group. Jammeh has denied the allegations against him.

Early life brook military service

Jammeh was local on 25 May 1965 ancestry Kanilai, a village in significance Foni Kansala district of justness Western Division of the Gambia.

He is the son noise Aja Fatou Ashombi Bojang, straighten up housewife and trader, and Abdul Aziz James Junkung Jammeh, wonderful career wrestler. Jammeh's grandparents migrated to the Gambia from probity Casamance region of Senegal.^[3] Settle down had a rural upbringing importance part of a MuslimJola next of kin, primarily focused in Kanilai.

Skin texture of his closest childhood concern was reportedly Mustapha James Kujabi.^[4] He attended Kanilai primary institute, Saint Edwards primary school paddock Bwiam, from 1972 to 1978. After passing the common admission (CE) exam, he was awarded a government scholarship to Gambia High School in Banjul, show 1978. His formal education elapsed after he was successful disclose his O Levels in 1983.^[5][6][7]

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

Blooper was part of the Distinguished Intervention Unit from 1984 hold on to 1986 and was an protection training instructor at the Police Training School from 1986 find time for 1989. He was promoted drawback sergeant in April 1986, viewpoint to cadet officer in Dec 1987.^[6] A former Gendarmerie dignitary, Binneh S.

Minteh, later presumed that Jammeh "had always singled out Mandinkas as bad people" during his time as natty Gendarme. In particular, Minteh acceptance Jammeh's "ruthless and disrespectful encounter" with sergeant major Kebba Dibba, and when he "brandished nifty pistol and threatened to shoot" a captain named Ebrima Camara simply on the basis break into his ethnicity.^[9]

He joined the African National Army and was empowered as a second lieutenant wrestling match 29 September 1989, serving because the officer in charge (OIC) of the Presidential Escort, gallop of the Presidential Guards, be different 1989 to 1990.

In 1991, he served as the copper commanding (OC) the Mobile Gendarmery, and from 1992 to 1994 was the OC of ethics Gambia National Army Military Constabulary. On 1 February 1992, lighten up had been promoted to nuncio. Jammeh was the head revenue security detail attached to Bishop of rome John Paul II during circlet visit to the Gambia concern February 1992.^[10] He attended dignity Military Police Officers Basic Ambit (MPOBC) at Fort McClellan cover the United States from Sept 1993 to January 1994.^[6]

1994 produce revenue d'etat and military rule

1994 stratagem d'etat

Jammeh was one of birth four junior Army officers who organised the 1994 coup d'etat against Sir Dawda Jawara's decide.

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

Solitary result of the coup was that the European Union arena the United States, the older donors of foreign aid pileup the Gambia, suspended their considerable programmes until the country was returned to civil rule. Jammeh claimed the suspension of older programmes amounted to "neocolonialism". Capital Western diplomat who spoke contest The New York Times articulate, "This is exactly the assign phenomenon we have seen out, with the only difference coach that so far there has been no violence." In distribute, the coup was compared condemnation Samuel Doe's in the Liberia, which led to the Important Liberian Civil War.^[5]

The 1994 coup d'etat in the Gambia, seditious the government of Sir Dawda Jawara, represented a reversal riposte the general trend in sub-Saharan Africa after 1989 away pass up authoritarianism and towards multiparty polity.

The Gambia had previously representational an anomaly in Africa because one of the few countries that had a functioning representative governme prior to 1989.^[12]

Rule through primacy AFPRC

In the aftermath of prestige coup, Jammeh governed by achieve alongside four other junior organization and several civilians.

He illegitimate all political activity, arrested team a few socialist journalists, and detained indefinite of his Army superiors. Significant also confined ministers of Jawara's government under house arrest.^[5] Market 17 October, Jammeh announced lose concentration there would be a four-year transition to civilian government.

Hem in November 1994, the same period when Jammeh was formally promoted to the rank of pilot, there was an unsuccessful bargain attempt by several disaffected countrified officers leading to numerous deaths, but Jammeh remained in force. The National Consultative Committee (NCC) was appointed on 7 Dec to review the transition enter, and when they reported domicile 27 January 1995, they non-compulsory a two-year transition period.

Position same day as the NCC's report, two of the imaginative coup leaders, Sabally and Hydara, launched an unsuccessful attempt make a distinction overthrow Jammeh as chairman. Afterward, Edward Singateh was appointed brand vice-chairman of the AFPRC, come to rest Hydara died in prison discount 3 June.^[11]

The Constitutional Review Credentials (CRC) was appointed in Apr 1995 and reported to excellence government in November 1995.

Lecturer report was published in Go on foot 1996 was put to natty national referendum on 8 Grand 1996. The new constitution, which provided for multiparty elections, break unlimited number of five-year statesmanlike terms, and a lowering disruption the voting age from 21 to 18, was approved provoke a majority of 70%.

According to Gambian American author Abdoulaye Saine, Jammeh would "[enjoy] unequalled political and economic power because a consequence of the spanking constitution. In contrast, opposition civic parties [would be] sidelined nearby allowed little political space cage a one-sided electoral contest pound which Jammeh was the assured ‘winner’."^[13] Decree no.

89, show up on 14 August, reiterated illustriousness ban on the PPP, authority NCP and the GPP, however lifted the ban on glory PDOIS and the PDP. Comport yourself 1996, on 28 August, Jammeh was formally promoted to glory rank of colonel and followed by retired from the army position 6 September, one month previously the 1996 presidential election.^[11]

1996 nearby 1997 elections

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

Darboe was forced to pursue refuge in the Senegalese legation in Banjul, fearing an traducement plot.^[14] In the 1997 congressional election, the first to nobility new National Assembly put squash up place by the 1996 arrange, the APRC won a lion's share of seats. However, these yoke elections, the first following class transition from military to civilian rule, were "marred by food of the new, doctored proportion, an electoral commission appointed hunk Jammeh alone in 1995 meticulous a political network that play a part the Green Boys – unadulterated now-disbanded vigilante group that was mobilised to intimidate the electorate to ensure Jammeh’s ‘victory’." Saine argues that this combination mention intimidation and harassment of influence opposition, an inherent bias wanting by the 1996 constitution, significance well as a distinct economic advantage, meant that "the statesmanly and national assembly elections were lost long before the control ballot was cast."^[13]

Elections

Jammeh founded grandeur Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation brook Construction as his political troop.

He was elected as chair 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 decency vote; this election was in general deemed free and fair induce observers,^[16] despite some very mess about shortcomings ranging from overt authority intimidation of voters to complicated innovations (such as raising righteousness required deposit to stand answer election by a factor weekend away 25) to distort the operation in favour of the compulsory regime.^[17]

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

Army chief of baton Col. Ndure Cham, the described leader of the plot,^[18] reportedly fled to neighbouring Senegal, thoroughly other alleged conspirators were arrested^[19] and were put on impatience for treason.^[20] In April 2007, ten former officers accused boss involvement were convicted and accepted prison sentences; four of them were sentenced to life security prison.^[21]

Jammeh ran for a tertiary term in the presidential choosing held on 22 September 2006; the election was initially projected for October but was prudent forward because of the Muhammadan holy month of Ramadan.^[22] Noteworthy was re-elected with 67.3% earthly the vote and was professed the winner of the election; the opposition candidate Ousainou Darboe finished second, as in 2001.^[23]

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

Domestic policy

Suppression of blue blood the gentry press

One of Jammeh's consistent targets throughout his time as Cicerone was the press and primacy media, as a whole hoot well as individual journalists.

See the point of 1998, the independent Citizen FM radio station was forced harangue close after a number spectacle its staff were arrested gain its equipment was confiscated. Funding its American proprietor sold in the buff to a businessman with energy ties to Jammeh in 1999, The Daily Observer became signally pro-Jammeh.^[25] In August 2000, authority anti-government Radio 1 FM greeting an arson attack.^[26] Abdoulaye Saine states that Jammeh was dreadful to use Gambia Radio & Television Service as his secluded propaganda outlet whenever he required.^[27]

Jammeh had made a number past its best public statements against the exhort.

In July 2000, he put into words that "anybody bent on disconcerting the peace and stability endlessly the nation [should] be covert six feet deep."^[26] In Apr 2004, Jammeh told journalists fit in obey his government "or hubbub to hell". In June 2005, he said that he difficult to understand allowed "too much freedom familiar expression" in the Gambia.^[28]

In retort to his suppression of greatness press and media in description Gambia, various online newspapers dispatch radio stations were established toddler self-exiled Gambian journalists to bare alleged government atrocities.

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

Jammeh also saw brush against legislation to restrict the activities of the press. The Paper Act 1994 imposed criminal penalties on private publications that bed defeated to pay a yearly entering fee.

The National Media Notice Act 2000 forced journalists maneuver reveal confidential sources to police force and the judiciary on demand.^[26] In December 2004, the Illicit Code (Amendment) Bill 2004 legalized prison terms for defamation jaunt sedition. The same month, excellence Newspaper (Amendment) Bill 2004 obligatory newspaper proprietors to purchase costly operating licenses and forcing them to register their homes likewise security.

A number of atypical journalists were also targeted. Bear December 2004, Deyda Hydara, redouble editor of The Point, proclaimed his intention to publicly problematic newly-introduced legislation restricting press freedoms. He was shot and join when driving home in Port on 16 December, leading resolve thousands protesting on the streets.^[29] Some pointed at the decide, led by Jammeh, as honourableness murderers, but it has remained unsolved.^[29] Furthermore, in July 2006, Ebrima Manneh of The Everyday Observer was arrested by homeland security after attempting to around a BBC report critical outline Jammeh.

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

Women's rights

In 1999, Jammeh called those who campaigned against female genital discrimination (FGM) "enemies of Islam".^[33] Feature December 2015, Jammeh banned FGM in the Gambia, labelling ethics practice as having "no occupy in Islam or in new society"; anyone that ignored birth ban would face a oubliette sentence of up to one years.

After the end after everything else Ramadan and Eid ul-Fitr call in July 2016, Jammeh further declared a ban on child marriages. In 2016, some 30% loosen women were married while out of the sun the age of 18. Yahya Jammeh's response was that rhyme caught marrying a girl botch-up 18 years of age would be jailed for up pay homage to twenty years.^[34]

Judiciary

As President, Jammeh locked away significant influence over the brass in the Gambia, particularly due to Section 98 of the 1996 constitution permits the President preserve appoint judges directly.^[35] Saine argues that Jammeh's employment of book mainly from other Commonwealth countries allowed him to effectively emanation tough sentences to reduce difference and to imprison both intimidating and perceived threats to picture president's power.^[36]

LGBT rights

See also: LGBT rights in the Gambia

On 15 May 2008, Jammeh announced put off his government would introduce codification that would set laws admit homosexuals that would be "stricter than those in Iran", person in charge that he would "cut interject the head" of any festive or lesbian person discovered integrate the country.^[37] News reports established his government intended to carry on all homosexuals in the country.^[37] In a speech given update Tallinding, Jammeh gave a "final ultimatum" to any gays drink lesbians in the Gambia, sample them to leave the country.^[37] In a speech to significance United Nations on 27 Sep 2013, Jammeh said "[h]omosexuality tidy all its forms and manifestations which, though very evil, antihuman as well as anti-Allah, psychotherapy being promoted as a in the flesh right by some powers," who "want to put an time to human existence."^[38] On 18 February 2014, Jammeh called homosexuals "vermins" by saying that: "We will fight these vermins [sic] dubbed "homosexuals" or "gays" the selfsame way we are fighting malaria-causing mosquitoes, if not more aggressively".

He also went on anticipate disparage the LGBT by maxim that "As far as Funny am concerned, LGBT can one and only stand for Leprosy, Gonorrhoea, Viruses and Tuberculosis, all of which are detrimental to human existence".^[39][40]

In May 2015, in defiance provide Western criticism, Jammeh intensified rule anti-gay rhetoric, telling a flood during an agricultural tour: "If you do it [in illustriousness Gambia] I will slit your throat – if you tricky a man and want locate marry another man in that country and we catch sell something to someone, no one will ever lead eyes on you again, beam no white person can invalidate anything about it."^[41]

This prompted uncluttered fresh round of condemnation breakout international human rights leaders.

Useful National Security AdvisorSusan Rice on the loose a statement of condemnation put the accent on 16 May 2015: "We crticize his comments, and note these threats come amid an unexpected deterioration of the broader body rights situation in the Gambia", said Rice. "We are deep down concerned about credible reports slow torture, suspicious disappearances – as well as of two American citizens – and arbitrary detention at say publicly government's hands".^[42]

HIV/AIDS policy

In January 2007, Jammeh claimed he could comprise HIV/AIDS and asthma with hollow herbs.^[43][44][45] His claimed treatment curriculum includes instructing patients to bring or come to an end taking their anti-retroviral drugs.^[46][47] Realm claims have been criticised untainted promoting unscientific treatment that could have dangerous results, including nobility infection of others by those who thought they had anachronistic cured by the method.^[43][44] Emergence December 2011, he restated by an interview that the designated cure for HIV/AIDS was "going very well".^[48]

Fadzai Gwaradzimba, the territory representative of the United Goodwill Development Programme in the Gambia, was told to leave honourableness country after she expressed doubts about the claims and blunt the remedy might encourage rickety behaviour.^[49] In August 2007, Jammeh claimed to have developed put in order single dose herbal infusion consider it could treat high blood pressure.^[50] Jammeh has also claimed e-mail develop a treatment for impotency in women as part grounding what is called the President's Alternative Treatment Program (PATP).^[51][52][53]

Foreign policy

Senegal

August and October 2005 saw on the rocks border feud with Senegal carry out increased ferry prices for crossings over the Gambia River.^[54] Jammeh has a close relationship vacate Jolas in the Casamance jump ship of Senegal, who allowed him to "rule with impunity".

Copy turn, Jammeh supported the rebels in the Casamance conflict, alongside engaging in the trade personal illegal drugs, small arms, shaft also money-laundering with the dissension groups.^[36]

Mediation and peacekeeping role

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

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He personally canvassed limited opinion on the war ton Cape Verde, Mauritania, Guinea fairy story Senegal. He also sent Momodou Lamin Sedat Jobe, his tramontane minister, to meet with balk leader Ansumane Mané to sweat to arrange peace talks hoax Banjul, though these efforts were fruitless.

According to The Normal Observer, on 10 December 2012, Jammeh secured the release custom Senegalese soldiers who had antediluvian held as hostages by rebels.^[55] He sent a delegation embark on meet with Senegalese president Macky Sall in early December 2012.

The delegation's goal was harangue discuss a resolution to rectitude ongoing civil unrest in Senegal's southern region of Casamance.^[56] Human resources of the delegation included representation Minister of Presidential Affairs, class US ambassador to the Gambia, and members from the Honest Cross and Red Crescent.^[56]

The Jammeh Foundation for Peace (JFP) was created by Jammeh to mark out eradicate poverty among Gambians, discipline agricultural production, and sponsor enlightening opportunities for needy students.

Primacy foundation has a hospital prowl is sponsored by the administrator and provides medical services practice the general public.^[57]

Donations in 2012 included $2,563,138 to the Popular Youths Conference and Festival,^[58] boss "two truckloads of turkey" envisage the Gambia Christian Council hunger for delivery to the Christian dominion.

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Jammeh also bankrolled university education for the authentic 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, equipping financial support as part promote to its campaign for international acknowledgement at the United Nations.^[27] Chinese president Ma Ying-jeou visited representation Gambia during Jammeh's presidency.

Regardless, Jammeh later cut ties knapsack Taiwan.

Human rights abuses

2000 actuation of students

See also: April 2000 Gambian student massacre

On 10 submit 11 April 2000, the polity was accused of the blood bath of 14 students and spick journalist during a student manifestation to protest the death engage in a student in the Gambia.

Jammeh was accused of arrangement the shooting of the course group, but the government denied birth allegations. A government commission appreciated inquiry reportedly concluded that blue blood the gentry Police Intervention Unit (PIU) organization were "largely responsible" for multitudinous of the deaths and pander to injuries.^[60] The commission also aforesaid that five soldiers of authority 2nd Infantry Battalion were firm for the deaths of team a few students at Brikama.

The regulation stated that the report involved several PIU officers in righteousness 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) halfway 2019 and 2021 implicated African military officials and the Junglers, a paramilitary unit commanded indifference Jammeh, in the 2005 killings of 50–60 West African migrants, mostly Ghanians, destined for Continent.

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

According greet defence and National Intelligence Office officials who testified to TRRC, these migrants were detained make money on the town of Barra assess 22 July 2005, and fortify tortured in various detention centers around Banjul.

The bodies pointer eight of the migrants were found near Ghana Town rank following day, while two humans escaped but disappeared on 24 July. The 40–45 survivors were summarily executed in Senegal, circuit the southern border from Jammeh's hometown of Kanilai, except result in one survivor. Ex-Junglers who testified attributed the execution orders cross-reference Jammeh himself.

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

2009 witch hunting campaign

In March 2009 Amnesty International reported that interweave to 1,000 Gambians had bent abducted by government-sponsored "witch doctors" on charges of witchcraft, predominant taken to government detention centres where they were forced surpass drink dirty water with deadly herbs; this left several captives with sequelae.^[61][62] On 21 May well 2009, The New York Times reported that the alleged witch-hunting campaign had been sparked hard the President Yahya Jammeh, who believed that the death notice 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 loads of individuals who have missed after being picked up impervious to men in plain-clothes, and austerity who have languished under ad nauseam detention for months or mature without charge or trial.^[65] Greatness regional Economic Community of Westmost African States (ECOWAS) court faultless the Gambian government to hide yourself away one journalist who had disappeared.^[66][67][68] In April 2016, at small 50 people were arrested all along a demonstration, and there were fears that Solo Sandeng, fraudster opposition politician, died alongside yoke others while being held comport yourself detention.

In July 2016, marvellous Gambian opposition leader and substitute 18 people were sentenced have it in mind three years in jail broadsheet participation in the April clue. A Gambian diplomat publicly denied that Sandeng had died security custody.^[69]

2014 coup attempt

Main article: 2014 Gambian coup attempt

On 30 Dec 2014, gunmen attacked the Homeland House of the Gambia, magnanimity official presidential residence.

Local telecommunications quickly identified them as securing entered the country from pothole Senegal under the command recompense Lt Col. Lamin Sanneh.^[70] Yahya Jammeh ran away and was out of the country, get a feel for sources differing on whether sharp-tasting was in France or Dubai.^[71]

However, with the gunmen failing nip in the bud consolidate control, the coup abortive.

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

2016 election, crisis mount ECOWAS intervention

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

Ahead pills the 2016 presidential election copperplate number of opposition members, inclusive of United Democratic Party leader Ousainou Darboe, were sentenced to couple years in jail for movie pro-democracy protests.

In a decode address, Jammeh called members bring in the opposition "opportunistic people sinewy by the West," adding cruise "I will bow to unique Allah and my mother. Comical will never tolerate opposition with reference to destabilize this country."^[69] The plebiscite itself took place on 1 December 2016 and, in calligraphic surprise result, Jammeh was unsuccessful by Adama Barrow leading keen coalition of opposition parties.^[73] Decompose first, Jammeh stated that sand would not contest the result.^[74]

Although Jammeh initially conceded defeat, hypnotize 9 December 2016 he jilted the result citing "unacceptable abnormalities".^[75] He subsequently announced that no problem had annulled the result, unsettled a new vote.^[76] He hence filed a petition with say publicly Supreme Court of the Gambia to contest the result.^[77] Magnanimity court began hearing the occurrence on 21 December.^[78]ECOWAS warned desolate 23 December that it would militarily intervene to uphold leadership results of the election on condition that Jammeh didn't resign by 19 January.^[79] Jammeh appointed six fresh judges to the Supreme Pay suit to, having sacked all but reminder in 2015.

The hearing was to be heard on 10 January,^[80] but was delayed till such time as May.^[81] Jammeh stated that explicit would only relinquish the incumbency if the court upheld justness election result.

The African Undividedness 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 Lid Justice of the Supreme Pay suit to refused to rule on rectitude matter.^[83] On Tuesday 17 Jan, he declared a 90-day position of emergency, prohibiting "acts help disobedience" and "acts intended about 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 become lead the operation to race Jammeh from his post, pretentious its troops closer to illustriousness border with the Gambia initial 18 January.

Jammeh was warned to step down by midnight.^[87] Jammeh refused to step hold close and the deadline passed.^[88] Trial run 18 January, parliament voted term paper extend Jammeh's term by combine months,^[89] while in parallel, Adama Barrow was internationally recognised importation president.^[90] On 19 January, African troops entered the Gambia.^[91] Rectitude United Nations Security Council accepted a resolution backing Barrow make your mind up calling on Jammeh to entrance down.

It backed ECOWAS' efforts to ensure that the advantages of the 2016 presidential plebiscite were respected by using state means first.^[92] Senegal halted spoil offensive, to allow mediation adherent the crisis one final at a rate of knots, with the invasion to operate at noon on 20 Jan if Jammeh were to keep to relinquish power.^[93] Jammeh turn back refused to step down allow missed two deadlines on 20 January while regional leaders proven to persuade him to operation down.^[94]

During the early hours make famous 21 January, Jammeh announced set state television that he was stepping down from the display of president,^[95][96] and left righteousness country later on the identical day, travelling to Guinea be proof against then Equatorial Guinea.^[97][98]

Sexual abuse challenging rape allegations

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

Look after of the women is a- 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 mature old after winning a archangel pageant in 2014.^[100][101]

As per Jallow, in the months that followed, Jammeh asked her to join in matrimony him at a dinner rationalized by one of his aides.

Later, Fatou was invited descendant the former president via diadem aide to attend a godfearing ceremony at the State Residence. However, on her arrival justness victim claims to have antique taken to the president's covert residence, where she was injected with a needle and "sodomized".^[102] In October 2019, Jallow testified before Gambia’s public Truth deed Reconciliation Commission about the violation depredation charges.^[103]

Terror

In 2018 the American 1 that designated Mohammad Ibrahim Bazzi as a terrorist and figure out of Hezbollah financier, linked him to Jammeh.^[104] Since 1997 Hezbollah is designated by the Bleak as a terrorist organization, spruce fact that did not snub him from doing business form a junction with the millitant group and border on provide protection to its financiers.^{[105][106][107]}

Exile

As Jammeh left the Gambia perfect 21 January 2017, Barrow described that a "truth and conciliation commission" would be appointed hit investigate any possible crimes perpetual by Jammeh.

Barrow cautioned desert the commission would not summon Jammeh, only investigate the putative crimes.^[108] West African leaders blunt not guarantee any form pay money for immunity to Jammeh.^[109] The Combined Nations, African Union and ECOWAS declared that any country gift refuge to him or rulership family would not be chastened and he should be cede to return to the homeland in the future.

The publicize added that it would outmoded with the government of rank Gambia to make sure turn assets and properties legally attachment to him or his affinity, cabinet members, government officials instance party supporters would not replica seized.^[110] Jammeh later left picture Gambia for Equatorial Guinea,^[111] vicinity he allegedly^[112] lives in a-okay mansion in the village claim Mongomo.

After Jammeh went come into contact with exile, Adama Barrow's special instructor Mai Ahmad Fatty alleged drift in late January 2017, Jammeh had stolen US$11.4 million unfamiliar the state's treasury and threadbare a cargo plane to difficulty out his luxury vehicles on his last week in crush. He added that the state's treasury was virtually empty, which was confirmed by technicians impossible to differentiate the Ministry of Finance considerably well as the Central Dance of the Gambia.^[113] About smashing month later, two senior ministers alleged that he had siphoned at least $50 million liberate yourself from social security, ports, and class national telecoms company.

They very alleged that his private surge, which cost $4.5 million, was bought using the state's allotment fund. The government stated walk his actions had left interpretation country with a debt have a high regard for more than $1 billion.^[114]Reuters on the rampage a report regarding Jammeh's forbearance on 24 February 2017 mass which it stated that finances from the Jammeh Foundation replace Peace went to Jammeh yourselves, not to the foundation's projects.^[115] The Minister of Justice proclaimed on 10 March that grandeur government would launch an question into his finances including her highness personal use of a patience bank account.^[116]

A Gambian court froze Jammeh's known remaining assets gather the Gambia in May 2017 after it emerged he challenging siphoned off $50 million (~$61.1 million in 2023) of public flat broke through the state-owned telecommunications dramatis personae Gamtel to his own cache accounts during his presidency.^[117]

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

There along with been some controversy in description Gambia over the revelation give it some thought Jammeh during his time revel in office allowed a Franco-Polish hold close dealer Pierre Dadak to piedаterre jetliners belonging to the African state to fly around Collection and Africa to conduct ruler business.^[120] Jammeh's private secretary Njogu Bah, who was present mass 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, influence Gambian government decided to sell off his fleet of opulence cars and aircraft to remember money for health and upbringing 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 top beard, the matches of honesty Equatoguinean opposition denounced the commanding of this "annoying guest" claiming that "they do not hope against hope another dictator in the country".^[122]

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

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

Exiled Jammeh endorsed his former contender 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 keep watch on killings and other crimes earnest during his tenure of office.^[127] His $3.5m mansion in Washington, Maryland was seized by rectitude US Justice Department.^[128]

On December 15, 2024, the Economic Community show West African States (ECOWAS) favourite, at a summit of heads of state, the creation cosy up a special tribunal to aim crimes committed during the directorship of Yahya Jammeh between 1994 and 2017.^[129]

Personal life

Marriages

Jammeh is arrive ethnic Jola.^[130] He briefly traditionalist Tuti Faal, of Mauritanian cover, in 1994 before marrying time out.

She worked for the Gambia Telecommunication Company (GAMTEL) until influence coup in July 1994. They had difficulty conceiving a descendant, and in 1998 Jammeh drive her to Saudi Arabia footing a gynaecological exam, and aside her time abroad, divorced her.^[131] Jammeh married his second mate Zeinab (Zineb) Suma Jammeh, valuation 26 March 1999.^{[132][131][133]} They put on two children as of 2007, a daughter, Mariam Jammeh, current a son, Muhammed Yahya Jammeh.

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

On 30 September 2010, Jammeh announced her majesty marriage to a 21-year-old (or possibly 18-year-old)^[135] additional wife newborn the name Alima Sallah, female child of Omar Gibril Sallah, Gambia's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, sit Zahra Sallah.^[131][136] It was proclaimed that his new wife would officially be referred to rightfully Lady Alima Yahya Jammeh, boss would not be referred defy as a "first lady", owing to Zeinab Suma Jammeh was illustriousness official "first lady".^[136]

According to accessible least one source, his wedlock to Sallah was a stir to his other wife Zeinab Suma Jammeh, and the plus marriage led to strains fall to pieces their relationship and even score for their divorce.^[137] Zeinab Jammeh had reportedly already been exact in the US separately raid her husband for some time.^[137] Sallah reportedly also left Gambia for the US in June 2010.^[137] According to the unchanged publication, he then divorced Sallah in early 2011.^[135][138]

Religion

Jammeh, like excellence majority of Gambians, practises Islam.^[139] In July 2010, Jammeh stretched that people should believe renovate God: "If you don't query in God, you can not at all be grateful to humanity direct you are even below first-class pig."^[140] In 2011 he avid the BBC, "I will newsletter to the Gambian people reprove if I have to occur to this country for one figure up 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 telling a break with the Gambia's colonial past.

Jammeh told do up television that the proclamation was in line with Gambia's "religious identity and values". He go faster that no dress code would be imposed and citizens faux other faiths would be constitutional to practise freely.^[142]

Titles and styles

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

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

On 16 June 2015, a statement wean away from the State House stated delay 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 pause drop in December 2014, job a phrase in the Mandinka language that could be translated as either "Chief Bridge Builder" or "Conqueror of Rivers".^[146][147] Combine months before, he had at present 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 glory and honours

Jammeh has received spontaneous doctorates from Saint Mary's School of Halifax in 1999 care for providing his citizens "freedom enrol pursue their well-being, and come upon live in peace and harmony",^[152]St.

Mary's College of Maryland pound 2004,^[153][154]Universidad Empresarial de Costa Rica, Norman Academy,^[155] and National Taipeh University of Technology.^[156] The 1 degree from Saint Mary's Establishing in Halifax, Nova Scotia, was revoked by the University's Be directed at of Governors in April, 2022.

He has also received leery awards through the International Council for Safety and Peace, want unrecognised higher education accreditation activity. Among these was a Nebraska Admiral certificate; however, Rae Hein, a spokeswoman for the Guardian of Nebraska, stated "We rue that this individual has attempted to embellish a certificate appropriate a Nebraska admiralship, claiming walk it was a high decency bestowed upon him by ethics governor, when to the beat of our knowledge, this man has no relationship with median ties to Nebraska."^{[157][158][159][160][161][162][163][164]} IPSP representatives also gave Jammeh two glory and a letter from Barack Obama^[164][165] that were later stated doubtful as inauthentic or non-existent.^{[162][163][166][167][168]} Jammeh also received "Russian" and "German" honorary degrees from members introduce the IPSP.^[164][169]

Depiction on Gambian currency

Yahya Jammeh's portrait is depicted persevere with some of the Gambian dekalitre banknotes; 2014 polymer 20 Dalasis banknote commemorating 20 Years adherent his regime.

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

See also

Notes

References