The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Jammeh

  • Gambia soldiers, regional forces clash outside Jammeh’s home

    West African forces clashed with Gambian soldiers loyal to former leader Yahya Jammeh, shooting and injuring three who were guarding graves at his home, the soldiers said yesterday.

    Modou Mbye said he and his colleagues were guarding graves at the property Thursday and refused when the troops asked to enter. They then entered by force in an armored personnel carrier, firing their guns, Mbye said.

    “We did  not fire back as we were commanded not to,” Mbye said.

    The conflict was caused by a misunderstanding between the two forces and investigations have begun into the incident, Gambia Armed Forces spokesman Lt. Col. Omar B. Bojang said.

    Tensions remain in the village where Jammeh once said he would return after he lost December elections to President Adama Barrow.

    Jammeh flew into exile in Equatorial Guinea as regional countries threatened a military intervention.

    Thousands of the West African forces,most of them from Nigeria, are now providing security in Gambia as the new government settles in.

    Barrow has promised to reverse many of the actions taken by Jammeh, who was accused by human rights groups of leading a government that arrested, tortured and killed opponents during his more than two-decade rule.

  • Jammeh was ready for war, says NAF contingent Commander

    Jammeh was ready for war, says NAF contingent Commander

    The Nigerian Air Force’ (NAF) contingent to The Gambia returned yesterday, saying ousted ruler Yahya Jammeh was ready for war but for the intimidating air power deployed by the subregion.

    Leader of the contingent, Air Commodore Tajudeen Yusuf, said in Lagos on the arrival of the 77 airmen and 20 officers, who were among the over 200 personnel sent to deploy force and install the  country’s democratically elected President Adama Barrow.

    With the different NAF air lifts and aircraft flying over, as well as other countries, The Gambian military were said to have downed their weapons for fear of retribution, given the small strength of their military power.

    They arrived in NAF 918 C-130 aircraft and two Alpha Jets at about 6:18pm and landed the 203 NAF Airlift Group.

    According to Air Commodore Yusuf, what they saw at the State House in The Gambia and Jammeh’s country home showed he was ready to die and even cause the death of innocent people.

    The contingent was received by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal James Gbum, on behalf of the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar.

    Yusuf said: “We conducted the operation with deterrence and diplomacy. When we gained access to the State House, from what we saw, Jammeh was prepared for war.

    “But for the airpower that we showed, as we were the first country to show up at The Gambia, he would not have stepped down.

    “For now, we have won the battle but it’s left for the political leaders to win the peace and stabilise the country. The forces we left there are to basically stabilise The Gambia and integrate their forces in the security arrangement.

    “They will continue to be there until stability is achieved and the ECOWAS leaders decide that all security forces of other nations stand down.”

    Asked if any casualty was recorded, Air Commodore Yusuf said no, adding that they have advised Barrow on how to sustain the peace and stability achieved in The Gambia., Air Marshal Abubakar said the NAF would have applied force if Jammeh hadn’t opted to back down, adding that they were prepared for it.

    He stated that the troops left behind would remain there to ensure stability, adding that others would arrive today.

    He said: “Prior to your departure, the CAS addressed and emplored you to represent Nigeria well. Thus, the discipline and professional conduct you all maintained was highly commendable and worthy of mention.

    “Also, your cooperation with sister services and other military forces of other ECOWAS countries is also commendable. We are glad that democratic order has been maintained in The Gambia and stability achieved through your efforts. You have proven to be good ambassadors of NAF and made Nigeria proud.

    “Note that the ability of NAF to provide Airpower at home and project same seamlessly in other countries is an achievement buoyed by the support of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “Yes, we would have applied force to restore peace. We went with our fighting forces.”

  • Buhari, Jammeh and The Gambia

    Buhari, Jammeh and The Gambia

    THE shuttle diplomacy embarked upon by President Muhammadu Buhari and a few other ECOWAS presidents and ex-presidents to persuade Yahya Jammeh to vacate office after losing the December presidential election in The Gambia was, on the surface, remarkable for its failure. But deep down, it was an unqualified success, one of the very few successes the Nigerian president can lay claim to. Despite his obvious lack of moral qualification to join other presidents in putting pressure on Mr Jammeh, having himself proved serially incapable of conceding defeat in any election, President Buhari must be commended for brushing aside his personal misgivings and immersing himself in the venture to force Mr Jammeh out.

    Mr Jammeh had on December 2 unexpectedly lost the election to an opposition coalition headed by Adama Barrow. At first, the longtime president conceded defeat, but soon after reneged on the concession, vowing to hold another credible election or present his petition before the Supreme Court that was perennially unable to form a quorum. Twice President Buhari led a delegation to persuade Mr Jammeh to relinquish office. Twice the beleaguered president, who had ruled for about 22 years, refused to yield. When the deadline loomed and Mr Jammeh seemed poised for a deadly showdown, President Buhari on his last visit to Banjul, the capital, cleverly and deftly extracted both Mr Barrow, whose life seemed in danger, and the Chief Justice of The Gambia.

    The game plan was adroitly executed. Mr Barrow was taken to Senegal, together with the Chief Justice who swore him in at The Gambian embassy in Senegal on the day Mr Jammeh’s tenure expired on January 19. It was a good move worthy of commendation. But the question remains: would ECOWAS have been able to engage that kind of gunboat diplomacy had the victim been any of the bigger West African countries? More, given his own uninspiring human rights record and disdain for the constitution, has President Buhari learnt any lessons about power, particularly its ephemeralness? Did President Buhari himself not defy an ECOWAS ruling on the Sambo Dasuki case (October 2016) and hissed at the ongoing Nnamdi Kanu case expected to be determined in February 2017?

  • Jammeh: No looted cash on Tinubu’s plane

    Jammeh: No looted cash on Tinubu’s plane

    The curtain fell on the 22-year-reign of The Gambia strongman Yahya Jammeh Saturday night when Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s leased Falcon 900 flew Jammeh and his family from the capital Banjul into exile.

    Jammeh, his wife Zainab, mother and son Mohammed all wore mournful looks as they were being ferried out of Banjul into exile, according to sources close to the flight.

    The four of them and Guinean President Alpha Conde were the only passengers on the leased jet, safe for the crew.

    Besides the persuasive last-minute efforts of Conde and Mauritania’s President Mohammed Ould Abdel Aziz, it was important that there was an aircraft on ground to complete the mission.

    Conde in whose custody Tinubu’s leased plane was came in handy.

    Considering the tension the Gambian crisis had generated, Tinubu was reluctant to allow the trip. Eventually, he agreed after assurances that the aircraft would only be used to ferry Jammeh and his family into exile.

    For Tinubu, the facilitation of the restoration of peace to The Gambia was paramount.

    Contrary to a wild and unsubstantiated allegation that stolen monies were ferried out of the country on the flight,  investigations revealed otherwise.

    “No such happened,” one of the sources said. “In fact, it was impossible for looted monies to have been taken away on an aircraft that was in public glare. The radar of the international media, security forces and Gambian people was on the aircraft.

    “It is practically impossible to load millions of dollars on the plane. In any case, no money was loaded into the plane, safe Guinean President Conde, Jammeh, his wife, mother and son,” the sources said.

    There were rumours that Jammeh took with him some $11 million. A BBC report said the cash was allegedly taken after Jammeh lost the December 1 election and Saturday. It did not say that it was taken in one tranche and flown out in the flight last Saturday.

  • Tinubu’s private plane flies Jammeh into exile

    Tinubu’s private plane flies Jammeh into exile

     

    More details of the peaceful battle to restore democracy in The Gambia became known yesterday.

    After days of stand-off, former President Yahya Jammeh suddenly agreed to quit office, yielding to last-minute pressure from Guinean President Alpha Conde and his Mauritanian counterpart Mohammed Ould Abdel Aziz, who were with him between Friday and Saturday.

    After agreeing to leave and save The Gambia from a major crisis, Jammeh was confronted by big challenge –  how to fly out.

    The leaders, The Nation learnt, reached out to All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who authorised his private aircraft to be used to fly Jammeh out of Banjul, sources said.

    Jammeh’s exit paved the way for the return of President Adama Barrow to take office after he was sworn in on Thursday in Dakar, Senegal.

    Tinubu’s VP-CBT Falcon Jet had been with President Conde, who is a close friend of the leading politician.

    It was not until late on Saturday night that Jammeh agreed to go. Sources said Tinubu was contacted to allow the use of his jet to fly Jammeh out of Banjul.

    He reportedly gave a condition: it should only be used “if it will facilitate the quick exit of Jammeh and lead to the restoration of peace and democracy in The Gambia”.

    The plane eventually flew out with Jammeh, his wife, mother and President Conde on board.

    Senegal, it was learnt, insisted on knowing those on board before allowing it to overfly its airspace.  This wish was granted.  Jammeh was flown to Equitorial Guinea where he will be on exile

    Jammeh arrived at the airport amid a large convoy of vehicles and throngs of cheering supporters.

    He stood on a small platform to hear ceremonial music performed by a military band and then walked down a long red carpet, surrounded by dignitaries.

    He climbed the steps to the plane, turned and kissed and waved a Qur’an at those assembled.

    It was an emotional farewell. Many soldiers, supporters and dignitaries were crying. Others in The Gambia were glad to see the end of a 22-year dictatorship which had little respect for human rights and freedom of speech.

  • U.S. commends ECOWAS for ousting Jammeh

    The United States (U.S.) has commended Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for its show of leadership in peacefully ousting former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh.

    The U.S. Department of State, in a statement by its spokesperson, Mr Mark Toner, also welcomed the ongoing peaceful transition in that country and the commitment to democracy by the people.

    “The United States welcomes the ongoing peaceful transition of power in The Gambia and congratulates President Adama Barrow on his inauguration.

    “We applaud the commitment to democracy and the restraint shown by the Gambian people over the past weeks.

    “We commend the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other regional partners for their leadership in addressing the situation,” the statement said.

    The U.S. also commended Jammeh for departing The Gambia peacefully and avoiding the use of violence.

    “We appreciate the decision by Yahya Jammeh to depart The Gambia peacefully.

    “We also echo President Barrow’s call for Gambians to unite and work together as brothers and sisters for the future of The Gambia.

    “The United States is proud of our close ties to the people of The Gambia and looks forward to working closely with President Barrow and his team to achieve the aspirations of all Gambians.”

  • Dogara, Kalu hail Buhari over ’s exit

    Dogara, Kalu hail Buhari over ’s exit

    House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu  Dogara yesterday commended President Muhammadu Buhari and leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for their role in averting a major political crisis in The Gambia.

    In a statement, Special Adviser on Media & Public Affairs Turaki Hassan said Dogara hailed said President Buhari and his colleagues.

    ”The leaders have demonstrated their readiness and strong resolve to defend democracy on the continent.”

    Former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu described as commendable  “the timely intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari and other African leaders”, which he described as “worth emulating”. “The era of undemocratic and uncivilized acts in Africa is over,” he said.

    The former governor, who spoke yesterday at his Abuja residence while hosting a cross-section of Gambian investors led by Mr. Edrissa Jobe, said:  ”At a time countries all over the world are committed to the rule of law, Africa cannot be left out in this noble cause.

    “The selfish ambition of an individual should not be allowed to draw a country backward.”

  • Jammeh, family leave for exile in Guinea

    Jammeh, family leave for exile in Guinea

    •Says love of Gambia made him leave
    •Barrow to set up truth commission

    Former Gambia President Yayah Jammeh yesterday departed his official abode of the last 22 years, the Banjul State House, to start a new life in exile.
    His first destination was nearby Conakry, Guinea, whose President Alpha Conde and  Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, spent much of Friday with him in Banjul to trash out issues like where  he would live and whether he could be offered amnesty for alleged crimes committed during his years in power.
    Yesterday morning, the disgraced leader took to the air to address Gambians on his next move after turning down earlier persuasions to accept the result of last month’s election and leave office.
    As Jammeh spoke, the new President Adama Barrow said in nearby Senegal from where he will move to Banjul that he will set up a truth and reconciliation commission to investigate the alleged human rights abuses of Jammeh’s regime.
    But Barrow explained that it is too soon to say whether the former president could face trial at the International Criminal Court or elsewhere.
    Jammeh in his broadcast claimed that he decided to give up power because of his commitment to the security and peace of the country.
    His words: “All this while, as a Muslim and a patriot, I believe it is not necessary that a single drop of blood be shed.
    “Since the beginning of this political impasse that our dear nation is going through, I promised before Allah Subhuana Wa Ta Allah and the entire nation that all the issues we currently face would be resolved peacefully.
    “I am indeed thankful to Allah Subhuana Wa Ta Allah that up till now, not a single casualty has been registered.
    “I believe in the importance of dialogue and in the capacity of Africans to resolve among themselves all the challenges in the way towards democracy, economic and social development.
    “It is as a result of this that I have decided to, in good conscience, relinquish the mantle of leadership of this great nation with infinite gratitude to all Gambians – women, children, youth and men – and friends of the Gambia who have supported me for 22 years in the building of a modern Gambia.
    “Above all, the independence of the free and proud people of the Gambia, and I will always, together with you, defend this independence that we so dearly fought for and worked for.”
    He said his decision to quit was “not dictated by anything else but by the supreme interest of you, the Gambian people and our dear country.”
    With him as he was driven out of the State House were his mother, wife Zainab, son Mohammed and President Conde,according to Agence de Presse Africaine (APA).
    It said a Mauritanian plane was on standby to take Jammeh and his entourage away.
    It was not immediately clear whether his stay in Guinea will be permanent.
    The BBC reported at 10.30 last night that the plane had taken off for Guinea with Jammeh,his family and President Conte on board.
    An anti-Jammeh website, freedomradio, reported yesterday that Jammeh’s supporters “appeared sad and distressed” as he made to leave town.
    It added: “The airport is a ghost airport today (yesterday). Jammeh and his enablers are crying.
    “Yahya Jammeh is history. He was booed while leaving town. His supporters have all gone into hiding.
    “The end of Jammeh has become a sad story. All his so called loyalists have abandoned him.”
    However, Barrow in an interview in Dakar, Senegal  said:”We aren’t talking about prosecution here.
    “We are talking about getting a truth and reconciliation commission.
    “Before you can act, you have to get the truth, to get the facts together.”
    Barrow also said yesterday that he would be returning to his country on the completion of the on-going security sweep.

  • Update: I have agreed to relinquish office – Jammeh

    Update: I have agreed to relinquish office – Jammeh

    Gambian President Yahya Jammeh on Saturday finally agreed to quit office following last-chance talks with west African leaders ahead of a possible military intervention.

    Jammeh spent hours with Guinea and Mauritania’s presidents on Friday in Banjul, where agreement was reached that he would hand power to Adama Barrow, the declared winner of elections last month.

    “I have decided today in good conscience to relinquish the mantle of leadership of this great nation with infinite gratitude to all Gambians,” Jammeh said in a statement broadcast on state television.

    The leader declared his decision to leave office — after weeks of stalling through threats and legal action — was his alone, despite immense pressure from the international community.

    There was however no confirmation of where he would spend his life after his presidency.

    “My decision today was not dictated by anything else than the supreme interest of you the Gambian people and our dear country,” Jammeh said in his speech, thanking Gambians for their support.

    “At a time when we are witnessing trouble and fears in other parts of Africa and the world the peace and security of the Gambia is our collective heritage which we must jealously guard and defend,” he added.

    “I am proud and honoured to have served The Gambia. I submit myself only to the judgement of Allah.

    “I am proud and honoured to have been of service to you. I believe in the capacity of Africans to decide for themselves all issues on democracy,social and economic development,” Jammeh stated.

    Mauritania president Abdul Aziz talks confirmed that a deal has been struck with Jammeh’s to allow him step down peacefully.

    “We’ve reached an agreement that saves the Gambia, guarantees peace and assures security, dignity honour for the outgoing president,” Aziz said.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo received briefing on the situation in Banjul from government officials on Friday soon after his return from Ibadan where he had gone on an official trip.

    He is acting for President Muhammadu Buhari, who is on a  10-day medical vacation in the United Kingdom .

    The  Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the VP , Laolu Akande, said on his Twitter handle yesterday that : “VP Osinbajo on return to Abuja received update and  briefings on the situation in Gambia and briefings from a number of cabinet ministers.”

     Barrow has been in neighbouring Senegal for days. He was sworn-in in the Gambian embassy there on Thursday.

    His legitimacy as president has been recognised internationally, after he won last month’s elections.

    Jammeh’s deadline to cede power to Barrow lapsed several times as West African troops moved into the nation in a bid to force his removal.

    Hours before, Gambia’s army chief abandoned the embattled longtime leader, saying his forces would not fight against a military operation to remove him, as regional leaders led a last ditch effort to convince him to flee into exile.

    The defection of General Ousman Badjie, who had previously stood by Jammeh, removed what was perhaps the former coup leader’s last remaining pillar of support, potentially raising the likelihood of a peaceful solution to the political impasse.

    While Barrow’s election victory last month and inauguration on Thursday were celebrated by many across the tiny nation of less than 2 million people, support for Jammeh remained strong among some Gambians, who opposed the military intervention.

    Hours before Jammeh agreed to quit yesterday Gambians had taken to social media, particularly the Twitter which had recorded more than 200,000 tweets in praise of Nigeria, Senegal and ECOWAS.

    The new President, Mr Adama Barrow, took to twitter thanking the people of the Gambia and the world.

  • Jammeh declares 90-day state of emergency

    Jammeh declares 90-day state of emergency

    •Six ministers, mayor resign•Barrow may be sworn in outside Gambia•Nigeria deploys warship

    Gambian President Yahya Jammeh yesterday declared a 90-day state of emergency in his bid to hang on to power despite losing the December 1, 2016 election.
    His term is due to end tomorrow and the international community has told him he should respect the wishes of his people and hand over power to President –elect Adama Barrow. But he has refused to recognize the result despite initially giving the indication.
    In a broadcast yesterday, he decried “extraordinary” foreign interference in his country’s affairs and the December election.
    President Muhammadu Buhari and other leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have twice visited Banjul, the Gambian capital, to persuade Jammeh to rscpect the elction result but they were unsuccessful.
    Nigeria has deployed a warship to put further pressure on Jammeh to step down. A source quoted by the BBC said the vessel – the NNS Unity – was yesterday sailing off the coast of Ghana.
    This is in addition to the ECOWAS Regional force led by Senegal. But the sub regional body has maintained that military intervention would be a last resort.
    In the broadcast, Jammeh said: “any acts of disobedience to the laws of The Gambia, incitement of violence and acts intended to disturb public order and peace” are banned under the state of emergency.
    He said security forces were instructed to “maintain absolute peace, law and order”.
    The rubber stamp National Assembly also passed a motion condemning what it called the “unlawful and malicious interference” of the African Union and the country’s neighbour, Senegal, in The Gambia’s affairs.
    Six ministers including ministers of finance, foreign affairs, trade and environment yesterday resigned from President Jammeh’s government.
    Tourism and Culture Minister Benjamin Roberts, also joined the group in what is a loss of confidence in Jammeh.
    The mayor of the capital Banjul has also resigned, according to sources at the city council
    According to Gambian state television on late Monday, Finance Minister Abdou Kolley was being replaced.
    Ministry sources said other government leaders including Foreign Minister Neneh Macdouall-Gaye had left the government and the country.
    Their departure followed the resignation of communications minister Sheriff Bojang last week.