Yahya Jammeh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Yahya Abdul Aziz Jammeh
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Jammeh in 2014
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| 2nd President of the Gambia | |
| In office 6 November 1996 – 19 January 2017 |
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| Vice President | Isatou Njie-Saidy |
| Preceded by |
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| Succeeded by | Adama Barrow |
| Chairman of the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council | |
| In office 22 July 1994 – 6 November 1996 |
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| Deputy | Sanna B Sabally |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Position abolished; Himself (as President) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Yahya Abdul-Aziz James Junku Jammeh
25 May 1965 Kanilai Village, The Gambia |
| Political party | Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction |
| Spouses |
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| Children | 2 |
| Parent | Asombi Bojang (Mother) (1946 - 2018) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  The Gambia |
| Branch/service |
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| Years of service | 1984–1996 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Commands | National Gendarmerie |
Yahya Abdul-Aziz Jemus Junkung Jammeh (born 25 May 1965) is a Gambian politician. He was the President of the Gambia from 1996 to 2017. Before that, he led the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council (AFPRC) from 1994 to 1996.
Jammeh was born in Kanilai, a village in The Gambia. He is a Muslim and belongs to the Jola ethnic group. He went to Gambia High School in Banjul from 1978 to 1983. He then joined the Gambian National Gendarmerie in 1984. In 1994, he became a leader in a bloodless takeover of the government. This ended the rule of Sir Dawda Jawara. Jammeh was first in charge as a military leader. Then, he was elected president in 1996. He was re-elected in 2001, 2006, and 2011. However, he lost the election in 2016 to Adama Barrow.
During his time as president, there were changes in how the country was run. His foreign policy often caused problems with neighboring Senegal. In 2013, Jammeh took The Gambia out of the Commonwealth of Nations. In 2016, he started the process of leaving the International Criminal Court. One year before that, he declared the nation an Islamic republic. Later, the next government changed these decisions.
Jammeh has been accused of serious wrongdoings. These accusations were highlighted in the report of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission. He now lives in exile in Equatorial Guinea. Many countries have frozen his money and property around the world. This is due to accusations of taking money from his country. Jammeh has said that these accusations are not true.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Jammeh was born on 25 May 1965 in Kanilai. This village is in the Western Division of The Gambia. His mother was Aja Fatou Ashombi Bojang, and his father was Abdul Aziz James Junkung Jammeh. Jammeh's family came from the Casamance region of Senegal. He grew up in a rural area as part of a Muslim Jola family.
He went to Kanilai primary school and Saint Edwards primary school. From 1978 to 1983, he attended Gambia High School in Banjul. He finished his formal education in 1983.
In April 1984, Jammeh joined the Gambian National Gendarmerie. He worked in the Special Intervention Unit from 1984 to 1986. He was also an escort training instructor. He was promoted to sergeant in 1986 and cadet officer in 1987.
He joined the Gambian National Army in 1989. He became a second lieutenant on 29 September 1989. He was in charge of the Presidential Escort from 1989 to 1990. In 1991, he led the Mobile Gendarmerie. From 1992 to 1994, he was in charge of the Gambia National Army Military Police. He was promoted to lieutenant on 1 February 1992. Jammeh was also the head of security for Pope John Paul II when he visited The Gambia in 1992. He studied at Fort McClellan in the United States from 1993 to 1994.
1994 Takeover and Military Rule
The 1994 Coup
Jammeh was one of four young Army officers who planned the 1994 takeover. This event was against Sir Dawda Jawara's government. The other officers were Sana Sabally, Sadibou Hydara, and Edward Singhateh. The takeover happened on 22 July 1994. It was successful and did not involve violence. Jawara then left the country.
Four days later, on 26 July, the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council (AFPRC) was created. Jammeh became its chairman. He promised that the country would return to civilian rule soon. The European Union and the United States stopped giving aid to The Gambia. This was until the country returned to civilian rule. Jammeh said this was like "neocolonialism".
Ruling with the AFPRC
After the takeover, Jammeh governed with four other officers and some civilians. He stopped all political activities. He also held some of Jawara's government ministers. On 17 October, Jammeh said there would be a four-year plan to return to civilian government. In November 1994, there was an attempt to overthrow Jammeh. This attempt failed, but Jammeh stayed in power.
A committee was set up to review the transition process. They suggested a two-year transition period. A new constitution was created and approved by a majority of 70% in a vote on 8 August 1996. This new constitution allowed for elections with many parties. It also allowed for an unlimited number of five-year presidential terms. The voting age was lowered from 21 to 18. In 1996, Jammeh was promoted to colonel. He then left the army on 6 September, before the 1996 presidential election.
President of The Gambia
1996 and 1997 Elections
Jammeh won the 1996 presidential election. He was the candidate for the APRC party. He won 56% of the votes. He beat Ousainou Darboe, Hamat Bah, and Sidia Jatta. In the 1997 parliamentary election, the APRC won most of the seats. These elections were the first after the country moved from military to civilian rule.
Later Elections
Jammeh started the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction as his political party. He was elected president in September 1996. Some observers did not think these elections were completely fair. He was re-elected on 18 October 2001 with about 53% of the votes. This election was generally seen as fair by observers.
In March 2006, a plan to overthrow Jammeh was stopped. Jammeh was in Mauritania at the time. He quickly returned home. The alleged leader of the plan, Col. Ndure Cham, reportedly went to Senegal. Other people involved were arrested and put on trial. In April 2007, ten former officers were found guilty. They were given prison sentences.
Jammeh ran for president again in the election on 22 September 2006. He was re-elected with 67.3% of the votes. The opposition candidate Ousainou Darboe came in second. In November 2011, Jammeh was re-elected for a fourth time. He reportedly received 72% of the votes.
Domestic Policies
Media and Press
Jammeh often controlled the press and media during his presidency. In 1998, the independent Citizen FM radio station was closed. Its staff were arrested and equipment taken. The Daily Observer newspaper became supportive of Jammeh after it was sold. In August 2000, Radio 1 FM, which was against the government, was attacked by fire. Jammeh used Gambia Radio & Television Service to share his messages.
Jammeh made public statements against the press. In July 2000, he said that anyone who disturbed peace should be "buried six feet deep." In April 2004, he told journalists to obey his government "or go to hell." In June 2005, he said he had allowed "too much freedom of expression."
To control the press, Jammeh passed new laws. The Newspaper Act of 1994 made it a crime for private publications not to pay a yearly fee. The National Media Communication Act of 2000 made journalists tell police their secret sources. In December 2004, a new law allowed prison time for speaking badly about the government. Another law in 2004 made newspapers buy expensive licenses.
Some journalists were targeted. In December 2004, Deyda Hydara, an editor, said he would challenge new laws. He was shot and died while driving home in Banjul. Thousands protested in the streets. The case remains unsolved. In July 2006, Ebrima Manneh was arrested after trying to publish a BBC report about Jammeh. His coworkers saw his arrest. The government denied he was still held, even though a court ordered his release.
Justice System
As President, Jammeh had a lot of power over the justice system in The Gambia. This was because the 1996 constitution allowed the President to choose judges directly. Jammeh mainly chose judges from other countries. This helped him make sure that people who disagreed with him received tough sentences.
Health Policy
In January 2007, Jammeh said he could cure HIV/AIDS and asthma with natural herbs. He told patients to stop taking their regular medicines. His claims were criticized because they were not scientific. They could also be dangerous. In December 2011, he repeated that his cure for HIV/AIDS was "going very well."
A United Nations official, Fadzai Gwaradzimba, had to leave the country. This was after she questioned Jammeh's claims. In August 2007, Jammeh also said he had a herbal cure for high blood pressure.
Foreign Policy
Senegal Relations
In August and October 2005, there was a disagreement with Senegal. This was about higher prices for ferry crossings over the Gambia River. Jammeh had a close connection with Jolas in the Casamance region of Senegal. Jammeh supported some groups in the Casamance conflict.
Peacekeeping Efforts
After the Guinea-Bissau Civil War started in June 1998, Jammeh tried to find a peaceful solution. He talked to leaders in Cape Verde, Mauritania, Guinea, and Senegal. He also sent his foreign minister to meet with a rebel leader. These efforts were to try and arrange peace talks.
In December 2012, Jammeh helped release Senegalese soldiers. They had been held by rebels. He sent a group to meet with Senegalese president Macky Sall. They discussed how to solve the problems in Senegal's Casamance region.
The Jammeh Foundation for Peace (JFP) was started by Jammeh. Its goal was to help reduce poverty in The Gambia. It also aimed to improve farming and help students get an education. The foundation has a hospital that provides medical services.
Taiwan Relations
Taiwan used to provide financial help to Jammeh's government. This was part of Taiwan's effort to gain international recognition. Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeou visited The Gambia during Jammeh's presidency. However, Jammeh later ended ties with Taiwan.
Challenges and Changes
2000 Student Protest
On 10 and 11 April 2000, there was a student protest. Some students and a journalist died during this event. The government denied ordering any shootings. A government investigation said that some police officers were responsible for many deaths and injuries. However, those responsible were not punished.
Disappearances and Detentions
Reports show that many people went missing after being taken by people in plain clothes. Others were held for months or years without being charged or tried. A court ordered the Gambian government to find a journalist who had disappeared. In April 2016, at least 50 people were arrested during a protest. In July 2016, a Gambian opposition leader and 18 others were sentenced to three years in jail. This was for taking part in the April protest.
2014 Coup Attempt
On December 30, 2014, armed people attacked the State House of the Gambia. This is the official home of the president. Local news said they came from Senegal. Jammeh was out of the country at the time.
However, the attackers could not take full control, and the coup failed. Jammeh returned to The Gambia the next day.
2016 Election and Crisis
Before the 2016 presidential election, some opposition members were jailed. This included United Democratic Party leader Ousainou Darboe. They were sentenced to three years for holding protests. Jammeh called opposition members "opportunistic people supported by the West." He said, "I will bow to only Allah and my mother. I will never tolerate opposition to destabilize this country."
The election took place on 1 December 2016. Jammeh was defeated by Adama Barrow. Barrow led a group of opposition parties. At first, Jammeh said he would accept the result.
However, on 9 December 2016, Jammeh changed his mind. He said the result had "unacceptable abnormalities." He then said he had cancelled the result and wanted a new vote. He asked the Supreme Court of the Gambia to look into the case. The court started hearing the case on 21 December. ECOWAS warned on 23 December that it would use military force if Jammeh did not leave office by 19 January. Jammeh appointed six new judges to the Supreme Court. The hearing was delayed until May. Jammeh said he would only leave if the court upheld the election result.
The African Union also said it would stop recognizing Jammeh as president after 19 January 2017. He tried to stop Barrow's inauguration, but the Chief Justice refused. On 17 January, Jammeh declared a 90-day state of emergency. This stopped "acts of disobedience" and "acts intended to disturb public order." Many ministers resigned. About 46,000 people, mostly children, left the country. Senegal moved its troops closer to The Gambia's border on 18 January. Jammeh was warned to step down by midnight. He refused, and the deadline passed. On 18 January, parliament voted to extend Jammeh's term by three months. At the same time, Adama Barrow was recognized as president by other countries. On 19 January, Senegalese troops entered The Gambia. The United Nations Security Council supported Barrow. It asked Jammeh to step down peacefully. Senegal stopped its attack to allow for one last attempt at talks.
In the early hours of 21 January, Jammeh announced on state television that he was leaving the presidency. He left the country later that day. He traveled to Guinea and then to Equatorial Guinea.
Life in Exile
When Jammeh left The Gambia on 21 January 2017, Barrow said a "truth and reconciliation commission" would be set up. This commission would look into any possible wrongdoings by Jammeh. Barrow said the commission would investigate, but not prosecute Jammeh. West African leaders did not promise Jammeh any special protection from being charged. The United Nations, African Union, and ECOWAS said that any country giving him refuge would not be punished. They also said he should be free to return to The Gambia in the future. They would work with The Gambia's government to ensure his and his family's legal assets would not be taken. Jammeh later went to Equatorial Guinea. He reportedly lives in a large house there.
After Jammeh went into exile, Adama Barrow's adviser said that Jammeh had taken about $11.4 million from the country's money. He also used a cargo plane to move his luxury cars in his last week in power. The country's treasury was almost empty. About a month later, two ministers said he had taken at least $50 million from social security, ports, and the national telecoms company. They also said his private jet, which cost $4.5 million, was bought with the state's pension fund. The government said his actions left the country with a debt of over $1 billion. A report in February 2017 said that money from the Jammeh Foundation for Peace went to Jammeh himself, not to the foundation's projects. The Minister of Justice announced in March that there would be an investigation into his money.
A Gambian court froze Jammeh's remaining money in The Gambia in May 2017. This happened after it was found he had taken $50 million of public money. This money went to his own bank accounts through the state-owned telecommunications company Gamtel.
On 21 December 2017, US President Donald Trump issued an order. This order named Yahya Jammeh among those whose US-based money would be blocked.
In June 2018, the Gambian government decided to sell his luxury cars and aircraft. The money raised would be used for health and education projects. On 27 July 2018, Jammeh's mother died while in exile.
In May 2019, he was seen with Teodoro Obiang Nguema. Jammeh had grown his beard. Some in Equatorial Guinea were unhappy about his presence.
On 12 January 2020, Gambian officials warned Jammeh not to return to The Gambia without permission. They said his safety could not be guaranteed.
In August 2021, Adama Barrow sold one of Yahya Jammeh's presidential aircraft. It was sold to a company in Belarus.
Jammeh supported his former rival Mama Kandeh in the 2021 Gambian presidential election.
In May 2022, The Gambia's government agreed to try the former president for crimes committed during his time in office. His $3.5 million house in Potomac, Maryland, was taken by the US Justice Department.
On December 15, 2024, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) approved a special court. This court will try crimes committed during Yahya Jammeh's presidency from 1994 to 2017.
Personal Life
Marriages and Family
Jammeh is from the Jola ethnic group. He married Tuti Faal in 1994. They later divorced in 1999. Jammeh married his second wife, Zeinab (Zineb) Suma Jammeh, on 26 March 1999. They have two children: a daughter, Mariam Jammeh, and a son, Muhammed Yahya Jammeh.
On 30 September 2010, Jammeh announced he had married another wife, Alima Sallah. She was the daughter of Omar Gibril Sallah, The Gambia's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. It was said that Alima would be called Lady Alima Yahya Jammeh. Zeinab Suma Jammeh remained the official "first lady."
Reports say his marriage to Sallah surprised Zeinab Suma Jammeh. This caused problems in their relationship. Zeinab Jammeh had reportedly been living in the US separately. Sallah also reportedly left The Gambia for the US in June 2010. According to the same report, he divorced Sallah in early 2011.
Religion
Jammeh, like most Gambians, practices Islam. In July 2010, Jammeh said people should believe in God. In 2011, he told the BBC, "I will deliver to the Gambian people and if I have to rule this country for one billion years, I will, if Allah says so." On 12 December 2015, Jammeh declared The Gambia an Islamic republic. He said this move was to break from The Gambia's past as a colony. Jammeh stated that no dress code would be forced on people. Citizens of other faiths would be allowed to practice freely.
Titles and Styles
Jammeh used the official title: His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya Abdul-Aziz Awal Jemus Junkung Jammeh Naasiru Deen Babili Mansa. He was the Commander in Chief of The Armed Forces. He was also the Chief Custodian of the Sacred Constitution of The Gambia.
On 16 June 2015, a statement from the State House said President Jammeh should be called "His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh Babili Mansa." The title Babili Mansa means "Chief Bridge Builder" or "Conqueror of Rivers" in the Mandinka language. He had decided to stop using this title in December 2014. Two months before, he had also removed the title Nasirul Deen ("Defender of the Faith").
Awards and Honors
Foreign Honors
- Libya
Grand Commander of the Order of the Great 1st September Revolution (1995)
Order of Bravery (1998)
- Republic of China
Grand Cordon of the Order of Brilliant Jade (1996)
- Senegal
Grand Cross of the National Order of the Lion (2001)
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Other Awards
Jammeh received honorary doctorates from several universities. These included Saint Mary's University in 1999. This was for giving his citizens "freedom to pursue their well-being, and to live in peace and harmony." He also received degrees from St. Mary's College of Maryland in 2004, Universidad Empresarial de Costa Rica, Norman Academy, and National Taipei University of Technology. The honorary degree from Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, was taken back by the University in April 2022.
He also received some awards from the International Parliament for Safety and Peace. This is an organization not recognized for higher education. One award was a Nebraska Admiral certificate. However, a spokeswoman for the Governor of Nebraska said that Jammeh had no known connection to Nebraska. Representatives from the IPSP also gave Jammeh two awards and a letter from Barack Obama. These were later described as not real. Jammeh also received "Russian" and "German" honorary degrees from members of the IPSP.
Depiction on Gambian Currency
Yahya Jammeh's picture is on some of the Gambian dalasi banknotes. This includes the 2014 polymer 20 Dalasis banknote. This banknote celebrated 20 years of his rule. His picture is also on the N.D. (2015) issue banknotes, from 5 Dalasis up to 200 Dalasis.
Images for kids
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Yahya and Zeinab Jammeh with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in the White House, August 2014.
See Also
In Spanish: Yahya Jammeh para niños
- List of foreign ministers in 2017
