Immediate past president of Gambia, Yahya Jammeh, has
stepped down from office. He announced his decision in a
Nationwide broadcast he addressed last night.
"I have decided today in good conscience to
relinquish the mantle of leadership of this great nation
with infinite gratitude to all Gambians. I promise
before Allah and the entire nation that all the issues
we currently face will be resolved peacefully. It is not
necessary that a single drop of blood be shed" he said
There have been an international outcry calling for him to step
down after he lost the December 1st Presidential poll to
Adama Barrow, his successor.
After the election, Yahya conceded defeat to Barrow but later
changed his decision, accusing the electoral commission of
fraud. He said he will not be stepping down until a fresh
election is conducted.
On Tuesday, the former Gambian president who had been in
power for 22 years, announced a state of emergency on the
country for a period of three months.
Adama Barrow, his
successor, was sworn into office on Thursday January 19th in
Senegal.
