Yahya Jammeh officially left the country
| Politics | International Relations | African Studies |
Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
Published: | Updated:
3 min read
On January 22, 2017, Yahya Jammeh, the former leader of The Gambia, officially left the country, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's political landscape. Jammeh had been in power for 22 years but lost the presidential election held on December 1, 2016, to Adama Barrow. Initially, Jammeh conceded defeat but later rejected the election results, declaring them void and calling for a new vote. This decision led to a constitutional crisis, escalating tensions within the country and prompting intervention from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The regional leaders played a crucial role in facilitating Jammeh's departure, which was essential for ensuring a peaceful transition of power. His exile not only ended a prolonged period of autocratic rule but also opened the door for democratic governance in The Gambia. The event is celebrated as a significant milestone in the country's history, symbolizing the triumph of democracy over dictatorship and the resilience of the Gambian people in their quest for political change. #mooflife #mof #MomentOfLife #YahyaJammeh #Gambia #PoliticalExile #AdamaBarrow #DemocraticTransition
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