Inside Story

The Gambia: Is it on a path to turmoil?

After conceding defeat, President Jammeh has now changed his mind and is rejecting the presidential election result.

He is reputed to be one of the world’s most repressive and eccentric leaders who vowed to rule The Gambia for a “billion years”.

Following the presidential election 10 days ago, Yahya Jammeh shocked many by accepting defeat to his rival Adama Barrow.

Jammeh’s conciliation was seen as the start of a new era of democracy in the smallest nation in mainland Africa.

Now it appears Jammeh won’t be relinquishing power at all.

Will his demand for a new election mean chaos and instability? And how can a peaceful transfer of power be achieved?

Presenter: Adrian Finighan

Guests:

Halifa Sallah – Spokesman for Gambian President-elect Adama Barrow

Jeffrey Smith – Executive Director of Vanguard Africa

Murtala Touray – West Africa analyst