AT A time when democracy across much of Africa has been in retreat, it seemed at first that tiny Gambia had done something to restore faith in it. In an election on December 1st, out went President Yahya Jammeh, an autocrat who had ruled for 22 years, and in came Adama Barrow, a former security guard at a high-street discount store in London. Now, though, just eight days after graciously conceding defeat, Mr Jammeh (pictured) has deprived 2016 of a cheerful ending by declaring that he will not step down after all.
In a speech broadcast on state television late on December 9th, Mr Jammeh claimed there had been “unacceptable errors” in the voting tallies, demanding not merely a recount but (illogically) a re-run of the entire election. Or that, at least, was what he said he wanted. To most onlookers, it seemed all but certain that he was making a brazen attempt to cling to power, an impression reinforced by him also banning street protests against his decision, and sending troops out on the streets.
Mr Jammeh was swiftly condemned both by the UN Security Council and the African Union, which is less willing than it used to be to tolerate leaders who refuse to...Continue reading
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