Yahya Jammeh, born on May 25, 1965 in The Gambia, is a prominent figure in Gambian politics. Raised in Kanilai, a small village in the Foni Kansala District, Jammeh was the son of a local politician and farmer. He attended Gambia High School in Banjul before joining the Gambian National Army in 1984. Jammeh quickly rose through the ranks, displaying leadership qualities and a strong sense of discipline.
After a few years in the military, Jammeh was selected to attend the prestigious Nigerian Defense Academy, where he underwent further training. Upon his return to The Gambia, he continued to excel in his military career and gained the respect of his peers and superiors.
In July 1994, Jammeh led a bloodless coup that successfully overthrew the government of Sir Dawda Jawara, who had been in power for over three decades. Jammeh established himself as the chairman of the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council and quickly consolidated power. Despite criticism from the international community, Jammeh maintained control and set about implementing his vision for The Gambia.
After two years of military rule, Jammeh transitioned to civilian politics and was elected President of The Gambia in 1996. Over the next two decades, he ruled the country with an iron fist, often resorting to authoritarian tactics to maintain his grip on power. Despite economic growth in The Gambia during his tenure, Jammeh's regime was marked by allegations of human rights abuses, corruption, and political repression.
In 2016, Jammeh lost the presidential election to Adama Barrow, an opposition candidate. However, he initially refused to step down, citing irregularities in the electoral process. After weeks of negotiations and pressure from regional leaders, Jammeh finally agreed to go into exile in Equatorial Guinea in January 2017.
Yahya Jammeh is a devout Muslim and hails from the Jola ethnic group in The Gambia. Despite his controversial political career, Jammeh is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of healthcare and education. However, his legacy is tainted by allegations of corruption and human rights violations.
Since leaving The Gambia, Jammeh has remained in exile in Equatorial Guinea, where he continues to lead a relatively quiet life. His time in power and subsequent departure have left a lasting impact on the political landscape of The Gambia, with many hoping for a more democratic and transparent future.
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