To the amazement not to just his country, but the entire
world, Gambian president who earlier on conceded defeat to his rival in the just
concluded presidential election, has made a U-turn.
His excuse for changing his mind was that there were some
irregularities in the election which have just been discovered, thus, asking
for a rerun.
Recall that earlier on Yahya Jammeh made a vow that he is
going to rule for “a billion years”. Such a vow may not be unconnected to the
reverse of his earlier acceptance, as he declared not to accept the result of
the election which gave victory to a former security guard to Argos. As he
claimed that some investigations carried out had shown electoral fraud and put
a demand for fresh elections.
Thus a move has thus sparked condemnation worldwide after it
was announced in a national television.
His rival Adama Barrow secured 45% votes against his 36%
votes in the election, which made him to concede defeat earlier on.
The president earlier acceptance brought about celebration across
Gambia, as they saw the earlier move as end to his 22 years rule, saying it is
step forward for democracy in Gambia.
After clinging unto power in a bloodless coup in 1994 via a
military coup, Jammeh has long been condemned for various human rights abuses
by imprisoning, torturing and even killings anyone who opposes him.
In his decision to contest the rerun election he said:
"After a thorough investigation, I have decided to
reject the outcome of the recent election.
"I lament serious and unacceptable abnormalities which
have reportedly transpired during the electoral process.
"I recommend fresh and transparent elections which will
be officiated by a god-fearing and independent electoral commission."
Jammeh’s position poses a colossal challenge to Mr. Barrow’s
administration, has he is faced currently with the problem of dealing with the
country’s military that have for over 20 years pledged their total allegiance to
the president.
Jammeh is an unknown politician just 6-months ago, who has
five children was propelled into the race as a unity presidential candidate,
after members of the opposition were jailed.
Though Mr Barrow ran an estate agency in his country, he
lived in the United Kingdom for about three-and-half years as a young man, and
worked as a security guard for Argos in London, and his a staunch supporter of
Arsenal FC.
The head of Mr Barrow's transition team said the
president-elect and his staff were safe.
Mai Ahmad Fatty said: "We are consulting on what to do,
but as far as we are concerned, the people have voted.
"We will maintain peace and stability and not let
anyone provoke us into violence."
Consequently, the US State Department has condemned Mr
Jammeh's dismissal of the results and said it was a blatant effort to undermine
a credible election and remain illegitimately in power.
African Union chief Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma dismissed Mr
Jammeh's statement, pointing out he had already "publicly and gracefully recognised
that the victory of President-elect Adama Barrow is the true expression of the
will of the Gambian people."
Senegal's foreign minister, Mankeur Ndiaye, has called for
an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council and "solemnly" warned
Mr Jammeh not to harm Senegal's interests or its citizens in Gambia.
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