The Gambia’s parliament votes to extend President Yahya Jammeh’s term of office for three months
Announcement comes a day after president declares three-month state of emergency
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Gambia’s parliament has voted to extend President Yahya Jammeh’s term of office for three months, state television reports.
It comes a day after Mr Jammeh declared a three-month state of emergency as he sought to stay in power despite losing elections in December.
President-elect Adama Barrow has vowed to be sworn in on Thursday, with the backing of the international community.
The extension will take effect immediately.
Mr Jammeh has ruled The Gambia for more than 22 years.
He initially went on state TV to concede his election defeat, only to make a dramatic U-turn a week later.
Mr Jammeh has challenged the election results, citing voting irregularities, and the West African regional bloc known as ECOWAS has threatened to send in troops to make him leave.
Thousands of people have fled the tiny country, including a number of government ministers. Mr Barrow is in neighbouring Senegal for his safety.
Thousands of British holidaymakers are waiting to hear when they will be flown home by Thomas Cook after the Foreign Office warned “the potential for military intervention and civil disturbance is high”.
In response to the president declaring a state of emergency, Steve Cockburn, Amnesty International’s west and central Africa deputy director said: “Respect for human rights must not be a casualty of the current political crisis in The Gambia.
“The declared state of emergency must not be used to crackdown on soldiers, journalists or opposition members for their real of perceived lack of support for the President.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments