DHAKA: Gambia’s former President Yahya Jammeh has left the country in the wake of elections that ousted him after 22 years in power.

He boarded a plane to Guinea and from there will travel on to exile in Equatorial Guinea, regional group Ecowas says.

Jammeh was defeated in December’s election by Adama Barrow but went on to challenge the results.

Barrow has been in Senegal but says he will return to The Gambia soon, reports the BBC.

In an interview with the BBC, Barrow said he wanted to create a truth and reconciliation committee to investigate allegations of human rights abuses during Jammeh’s time in office.

Marcel de Souza, president of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), said the military operation that had sent West African troops into The Gambia in support of Barrow, was now ended, although some would remain to ensure security.

Yahya Jammeh arrived at the airport amid a large convoy of vehicles and throngs of cheering supporters.

He stood on a small platform to hear ceremonial music performed by a military band and then walked down a long red carpet surrounded by dignitaries.

He climbed the steps to the plane, turned and kissed and waved a Koran at those assembled.

After 22 years in power, he left bound for Guinea where it is believed he will stay before going on to another country.

Soldiers, supporters and dignitaries were emotional as he left - many of them crying. Many others in The Gambia are glad to see the end of what they considered a dictatorship, where there was little respect for human rights or freedom of speech.

The details of the arrangements made - or promises offered to persuade Jammeh to give up power peacefully are not yet known, but there was the real threat of military action from regional states.

He is the first president to peacefully hand over power in The Gambia since independence from Britain in 1965.

BDST: 1922 HRS, JAN 22, 2017
BD