At Last, Jammeh Leaves Gambia for Exile

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Former Gambian President, Mr Yahya Jammeh, has finally left the country after agreeing to relinquish power to the new President, Mr Adama Barrow.

Mr Jammeh, who seized power through a coup in 1994, surprisingly lost to Mr Barrow in an election held in December 2016.

He had earlier conceded defeat and congratulated the President, but later rescinded his decision, calling for a fresh election.

However, he was pressured to handover to the President on January 19, 2017 or risked being forced out of power.

Though the forceful ejection did not take place on that day, however, Mr Barrow was sworn-in as President in neighbouring Senegal.

And after much pressure, Mr Jammeh has finally agreed to surrender and leave the country in peace.

On Saturday, the former President flew out of the capital Banjul into exile.

He took off in an unmarked plane heading for an unspecified destination, seen off by a delegation of dignitaries and soldiers.

It was gathered that Mr Jammeh arrived at the airport in the company of mediator Alpha Conde.