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Yahya JammehGambian military and statesman, President of the Gambia (since 1996), retired colonel.
Date of Birth: 25.05.1965
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Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Military Career and Coup
- Re-Elections and Presidential Tenure
- Controversial Statements and Policies
- Unconventional Beliefs and Practices
- Personal Life and Honors
Early Life and Education
Yahya Jammeh, born Yahya Abdul-Azziz Jemus Junkung Diliu Jammeh in 1965, hails from the humble village of Kanilai, Gambia. He received his primary education at Kanilai Primary School and continued his studies at Saint Edwards Primary School and Gambia High School. Jammeh completed his secondary education in 1983.
Military Career and Coup
Following his education, Jammeh joined the army in 1984, rapidly rising through the ranks. Between 1991 and 1994, he served as the Commander of the Gendarmerie Unit and became the Head of Security for high-profile political events. In 1994, Jammeh received specialized training at the Military Police Officers Basic Course in Georgia, USA.
Upon his return to Gambia, Jammeh orchestrated a military coup that overthrew the incumbent President. He became the Head of the Provisional Ruling Council and, two years later, the leader of the ruling party, the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction. In 1996, Jammeh was officially elected President, a position he has held ever since.
Re-Elections and Presidential Tenure
Jammeh has been re-elected multiple times, with his most recent victory coming in 2006, where he received over 60% of the vote. After his 2006 election, Jammeh expressed his desire to become King of Gambia. His current official title remains "His Excellency President Sheikh Professor Alhaji Doctor Yahya Jammeh."
Controversial Statements and Policies
Jammeh has made several controversial statements during his presidency. In 2010, he vowed, "Like it or not, nobody can remove me from office and my government. I will rule this country for as long as I want, by the grace of God, and will hand over power to whomever I think is fit. Anyone who wants to challenge me, he will be messing with the wrong person."
Jammeh has also been criticized for his restrictions on the press and his harsh stance on homosexuality. He has stated that he will impose laws stricter than those in Iran, sentencing any homosexuals or lesbians to the death penalty. However, he later retracted this statement and allowed minorities to leave the country voluntarily.
Unconventional Beliefs and Practices
In 2007, Jammeh claimed that he could cure asthma and HIV/AIDS using potions and herbs. This sparked a "witch hunt" where prisoners were captured and used as experimental subjects. Several prisoners reportedly died or suffered severe health problems as a result. Jammeh also asserted that he had supernatural abilities and could lower blood pressure using herbal remedies. In 2005, he threatened to kill all the country's soccer players for their lack of contribution to the country's development.
Personal Life and Honors
Jammeh has been married twice, first to Tuti Faal and then to Zeinab Jammeh, with whom he has two children. He holds the honorary title of Admiral in the State of Alabama, a doctorate from a Canadian university, and was named one of the Outstanding People of the Millennium by Cambridge University.
