Jammeh

Jammeh, full name Yahya Abdul-Aziz Jusuf Jammeh, is a Gambian former military officer and politician who led The Gambia from 1994 to 2017 after seizing power in a coup d'état that toppled the government of Dawda Jawara. He emerged from the Gambian army to form the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council, which established his long tenure as head of state. During his presidency, Jammeh maintained control through a combination of political repression, censorship of the press, and arrests of opponents, while promoting development projects. His rule was frequently criticized by human rights organizations for abuses, lack of due process, and limitations on civil liberties. He pursued various policy shifts, including controversial moves related to Islamic law and attempts to amend the constitution to extend his time in office, actions that drew domestic and international concern.

In the 2016 election, Jammeh was defeated by opposition candidate Adama Barrow. He initially conceded but soon disputed the result, prompting regional mediation by ECOWAS. In January 2017 he left The Gambia and went into exile, later residing in Equatorial Guinea. Barrow’s government took office and began a transition process, including efforts to address abuses from Jammeh’s era. The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission was established to investigate human rights violations and other abuses during Jammeh’s rule. Jammeh’s presidency remains a focal point in discussions of Gambian governance, accountability, and post-transition reforms.