Gambia President Yahya Jammeh Refuses to Step Down

By Daniel Uria  

President of Gambia Yahya Jammeh has refused to step down from office following meetings with several African leaders. President-elect Adama Barrow left the country to attend the France Africa summit in Mali in hopes of resolving the situation so he can be sworn in. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo

BANJUL, Gambia, (UPI) -- Gambian President-elect Adama Barrow flew out of the country after talks to persuade President Yahya Jammeh to step down failed.

Talks between Jammeh, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Liberian President Johnson Sirleaf and former president of Ghana John Dramani Mahama stalled after Jammeh refused to relinquish power, Jollofnews reported.

Barrow flew from Gambia to Mali to meet with the Economic Community of West African States at the ongoing France Africa summit where West African leaders will discuss the political standoff.

Jammeh's term is set to end on Thursday as Barrow hopes to have the issue preventing the presidential transition resolved so he can be sworn in, according to the BBC.

The African Union announced it will no longer recognize Jammeh's rule beyond Thursday and ECOWAS has said it will consider resulting to military force if he does not step down from office on his own.

Jammeh initially accepted the results of the election after Barrow won 43.3 percent of the vote versus his 39.9 percent.

He later filed a request with the Supreme Court to block Barrow from swearing in and said he will not step down until the court is able to reach a decision in May.

Jammeh has been accused of human rights violations since seizing control of the country in 1994 and thousands of Gambians have fled the country due to fear of the political uncertainty.

Ghana's New Leader Urges Respect for Democracy in Africa

Stephanie FINDLAY, AFP

"I believe that those who are going against the idea of competitive politics, electoral politics, are fighting the tide of history in West Africa and in the general African region," the winner of Ghana's presidential election Akufo-Addo told AFP (AFP Photo/Pius Utomi Ekpei)

Accra, Ghana (AFP) - The winner of Ghana's presidential election Nana Akufo-Addo on Saturday warned that African leaders who reject democracy were "fighting the tide of history", following his nation's high-stakes vote.

Defying predictions that the presidential race would be neck-and-neck, Akufo-Addo sailed to victory on a wave of anger over a sputtering economy, winning 53.8 percent of Wednesday's vote over incumbent John Mahama.

And fears of widespread violence and concerns over the independence of Ghana's electoral commission never materialised, cementing the West African country's reputation as a beacon of democracy in a region plagued by dictators and coups.

"I believe that those who are going against the idea of competitive politics, electoral politics, are fighting the tide of history in West Africa and in the general African region," Akufo-Addo told AFP in an interview at his modest house in the capital of Accra.

While praising the "consolidation of democracy" in Ivory Coast and Nigeria, Akufo-Addo hit out at leaders clinging to power.

"What is taking place in The Gambia is unfortunate," Akufo-Addo said, referring to longtime ruler Yahya Jammeh who had conceded defeat in last week's election but did a dramatic -- and unexpected -- U-turn on Friday, saying he would challenge the results.

It's a shame Jammeh cannot put his country's future above his own. It is a big step backward for Gambia. Let us pray Mahama will step down gracefully as Jammeh did originally.

"Our people appreciate and understand and are happy with the values of democracy," said the 72-year-old human rights lawyer, wearing a white collared shirt and his trademark round-rimmed glasses, which he buys in New York.

On the shelves in his home office is a white sculpture of an elephant -- the symbol of his New Patriotic Party (NPP) -- along with books ranging in topics from former British prime minister Tony Blair to Pentecostal exorcism.

In his victory speech, Akufo-Addo said the win was the most "humbling moment in my life" and pledged to put Ghana "back on the path of progress and prosperity."

- 'Get Ghana working again' -

An apparent collapse of support in the battleground central region of Ghana seemed to have doomed Mahama's ruling New Democratic Congress (NDC) party, which lost with 44.4 percent of vote.

During the heated campaign, Mahama had criss-crossed the country inaugurating splashy infrastructure projects, earning the nickname "general commissioner" for the number of ribbon-cutting ceremonies he attended.

But soaring debt, high inflation and a weak cedi currency were ultimately too much to swallow for the frustrated electorate.

In 2015, Mahama was forced to go to the International Monetary Fund for a $918 million bailout.

This year Ghana grew at its slowest pace -- around 3.3 percent -- in over two decades.

Akufo-Addo had promised to act quickly to stop a "borrowing binge" that "mortgaged our future".

Underscoring his commitment to the economy and creating jobs, he appointed Mahamudu Bawumia, a former deputy governor of the Bank of Ghana to be his running mate.

Describing the economic climate as a "difficult situation," Akufo-Addo admitted "there is a hanging debt of considerable proportions."

In his election manifesto, he laid out a plan to restore economic stability and encourage investment by slashing the corporate tax rate and abolishing taxes on everything from real estate sales to domestic flight tickets.

"The measures that can stimulate agricultural production, the measures that can stimulate industrial activity and manufacturing, this is the main focus," Akufo-Addo said, promising to "get Ghana working again."

- 'Joyous moment' -

Ghanaians seem thrilled to give him the chance.

Outside his house, hundreds of supporters were still celebrating his election in the streets, blowing horns and dancing.

For many, Akufo-Addo's victory validates Ghana's democracy.

"It's a joyous moment," said Daniel Ofori, 28, who was wearing a big red, white and blue NPP flag as a cape.

"It's been happy for us because our democracy is growing and is maturing," Ofori said.

"This has been the most free and fair election in our country."

Defeated Gambian President Rejects Election Result, Calls for New Vote

"It is time he go and we thank him for everything he has done for the country," Gambian President-elect Adama Barrow countered Friday.

By Doug G. Ware, UPI

Gambia's President Yahya Jammeh on Friday said he rejects the result of the country's presidential election earlier this month, in which he lost to challenger Adama Barrow after 22 years in power. File Photo by Mohammad Kheirkhah/UPI | License Photo

BANJUL, Gambia, (UPI) -- Ousted Gambian President Yahya Jammeh is making it clear he isn't going to relinquish 22 years of power without a fight.

The recently-defeated premier said on state television Friday that he rejects the result of the presidential election -- citing "unacceptable abnormalities" -- and demanded a fresh vote.

"After a thorough investigation, I have decided to reject the outcome of the recent election," he said. "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."

How to destroy a legacy

Last week - "Allah is telling me my time is up and I hand over graciously with gratitude toward the Gambian people and gratitude toward you," Jammeh said to the president-elect, as reported by AP.

Apparently Allah has changed his mind! Or did Jammeh suddenly decide not to listen to Allah? Or could it be the hordes of corrupt people around him who have no desire to retire and enjoy the fruits of their deceit? Allah was much more grace-full last week when Jammeh was set to raise the bar on peaceful transition of government in Gambia. Alas, money, or pride, or power has caused him to abandon his ethics and void the people's obvious choice. Nothing good can come from this and the blood spilt will all be on Jammeh's hands. He will be remembered as a greedy, selfish autocrat who cared only for himself and not the Gambian people.

Jammeh lost to challenger Adama Barrow on Dec. 1 by winning less than 40 percent of the vote. Barrow was supported by more than 45 percent of voters, many of whom are itching for new leadership after more than two decades of Jammeh's rule.

"I have been declared the winner and the incumbent President Jammeh has congratulated me, which I think is a move in the right direction," Barrow told Gambia's Daily Observer Friday.

"We have to be patient because nothing will come easy and nothing is automatic," he added. "We are ready and we will work round the clock to make a difference but we are calling on every Gambians to put hands on deck. It is through hard work that we can achieve a better Gambia."

Jammeh, 51, took power in Gambia during a 1994 military coup and has presided over a government that has regularly drawn international criticism over a spate of issues -- including human rights abuses and systemic oppression.

The president has also been condemned for his advocacy for violence against the Gambian gay community. He said last year, "If you do it (homosexuality) I will slit your throat. If you are a man and want to marry another man in this country and we catch you, no one will ever set eyes on you again."

Barrow, 51, is scheduled to assume office next month.

Jammeh initially accepted the election defeat and was expected to concede. Friday's remarks, though, indicate he won't easily release his grip on the presidency.

"We should all put personal issues aside and Gambia is the most important thing, which I think President Jammeh has demonstrated," Barrow said. "He has been here for 22 years working for Gambia and we have to commend him for that, but it is time he go and we thank him for everything he has done for the country."

Antiestablishmentarianism Hits Africa; President Concedes Gracefully

The marbles have spoken: Gambians party after voting out 22yr ruler in shock election upset

    Supporters of president-elect Adama Barrow dance on a poster of incumbent President Yahya
    Jammeh during celebrations of Barrow's election victory in Banjul, Gambia, December 2, 2016.
   © Thierry Gouegnon / Reuters

Gambians are dancing on the streets after they dropped their marbles and voted out the long-term autocratic president Yahya Jammeh in a shock election, making former UK-based security guard Adama Barrow the new president of Gambia.

Barrow gained 45.5 percent of the vote, which is cast by putting a marble into a colored drum for the choice candidate, against Jammeh's 36.7 percent, according to Reuters. 

   A poll worker counts votes cast by marbles after the close of voting during the presidential
   election in Banjul, Gambia, December 1, 2016. © Thierry Gouegnon / Reuters

Jammeh, who had ruled Gambia for 22 years, conceded defeat in the election on state television Friday night and vowed not to contest the result in a phone call to Barrow.

"Allah is telling me my time is up and I hand over graciously with gratitude toward the Gambian people and gratitude toward you," Jammeh said to the president-elect, as reported by AP.

Election Commission chairman Alieu Momarr Njai earlier told reporters that Jammeh would accept defeat, adding that it's "very unique" that the president would do that after so many years in power, according to All Africa.

This would be the first peaceful transition of power in the West African nation’s history since it gained independence from the UK in 1965.

The news has brought massive crowds onto the streets of the Gambian capital, Banjul, dancing and cheering in an impromptu celebration of Barrow’s victory.

Before the election Jammeh, who previously vowed to rule the nation for "a billion years," predicted he would win the vote.

He gained power in 1994 as a result of a coup and has been accused by rights groups of human rights violations including torture and forced disappearances of political opponents and journalists.

Jammeh’s government shut down access to the internet and international calls on the evening before the election, prompting an outcry that it was a tactic to suppress freedom of expression. They also warned that no protests would be allowed after the election.

If Gambia is like most African countries we can assume that the President makes considerably more money than his salary would allow. Perhaps he's decided it's time to just chill-out and enjoy all the money he's stashed away in Swiss banks. At any rate, his stepping down might be the biggest act of democracy Gambia has ever seen. Let's hope and pray Barrow tolerates no corruption and brings about some prosperity for his people.

Amnesty International called the blackout “unjustified” and a “crude attack on the right to freedom of expression in Gambia.”

    Supporters of president-elect Adama Barrow celebrate Barrow's election victory in Banjul, 
    Gambia, December 2, 2016. © Thierry Gouegnon / Reuters

Barrow, 51, has two wives and five children and has vowed to bring the country back from the brink and restore human rights and true democracy in the nation. Eight opposition parties united behind Barrow during the campaign.

Barrow is a real estate agent and previously worked as a security guard at British retailer Argos in a north London store. He is also reported to be a fan of Arsenal football club.

Britain’s Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has taken to Twitter to congratulate the small African nation on its momentous decision.

    Gambia is the smallest country in Africa, just a sliver carved out of Senegal.