On 1st December 2017, Gambians went to the polls to vote. Their president, the dictatorial leader Yahya Jammeh, had seized power in a bloodless coup in 1994, and held power through a series of flawed elections. The vote promised a possibility to appoint the first democratically-elected president in the country’s history, but the result forced the Gambia into an unprecedented political crisis, leaving the country of the brink of civil war…
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In a hotel reception, a picture of the ruling president of Gambia – Yahya Jammeh, who seized power in a bloodless coup 22 years ago. Since then his reign has become unaminmous with rule by fear, jailing or killing political opponents and members of his own family, poisoning villages, and suppressing freedom of speech and the press. Wednesday, 30th November, 2016.January 29, 2017
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In a hotel reception, a picture of the ruling president of The Gambia – Yahya Jammeh, who seized power in a bloodless coup 22 years ago. Sincethen his reign has become synonymous with rule by fear, jailing or killing political opponents and members of his own family, poisoning villages, and suppressing freedom of speech and the press. Wednesday, 30th November, 2016.January 29, 2017
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Election hopeful Adama Barrow. Friday, 2nd December, 2016.January 29, 2017
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On the day of the election, a woman paces up and down past a polling station as it closes. Thursday, 1st December, 2016.January 29, 2017
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Most political parties opposing Yahya Jammeh form a coalition to oust the dictator. Omar Jallow, leader of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), was among the politicians who joined the collalition. He said he had been jailed 22 times in the course of Jammeh’s rule, and tortured. Sunday, 4th December, 2016.January 29, 2017
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Fearing mass action, Gambia’s regime cuts internet across the country on the eve of the elections. Results are sent from polling station to polling station by mobile phone. Thursday, 1st December, 2016.January 29, 2017
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As announcement of the final result approaches on the day following the election, streets are quiet and shops are closed as the whole country waits nervously watching TVs and listening to radios. Friday, 2nd December, 2016.January 29, 2017
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Within an hour of the election result being announced, crowds gathered to celebrate. Friday, 2nd December, 2016.January 29, 2017
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Following the election result a wave of euphoria spreads across much of Gambia. Friday, 2nd December, 2016.January 29, 2017
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Leader of the coalition, Adama Barrow, addresses crowds gathered outside his residence following his victory. Friday, 2nd December, 2016.January 29, 2017
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Following the election result, as people took to the streets, they shouted ‘freedom at last’. Friday, 2nd December, 2016.January 29, 2017
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Sister of the jailed opposition leader, Ousainou Darboe, weeps on receiving news of the election result. Friday, 2nd December, 2016.January 29, 2017
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Adama Barrow waves to his supporters, amassed outside his residence shortly after his election victory. Friday, 2nd December, 2016.January 29, 2017
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People line the streets outside Gambia’s Supreme Court to see the release of 19 political prisoners jailed for publicly opposing Yahya Jammeh. Two further prisoners had died while in jail. Monday, December 5th, 2017.January 29, 2017
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As Gambia’s incumbent leader refuses to cede power to the president-elect, a mass exodus begins as people fear for their safety. Monday, 16th January, 2017.January 29, 2017
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Shoes left behind on the ferry as people flee the capital. Monday, 16th January, 2017.January 29, 2017
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People wait at the ferry terminal in Banjul to take the boat to Northern Gambia or on to Senegal. Monday, 16th January, 2017.January 29, 2017
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On the 18th January, the British Foreign Office issues a travel alert with plans to evacuate some 5000 British tourists from Gambia, many of whom are unaware of the political situation. Monday, 19th January, 2017.January 29, 2017
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Amidst mounting pressure from ECOWAS, the AU, UN and regional leaders for Yahya Jammeh to step down, Senegalese soldiers, under the auspices of ECOWAS, enter Gambia with Nigerian air support. Sunday, 22nd January, 2017.January 29, 2017
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ECOWAS soldiers entering Banjul. Sunday, January 22, 2017.January 29, 2017
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Senegalese military setup station in Banjul, relieving the Gambian military of control. Sunday, 22nd January, 2017.January 29, 2017
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ECOWAS troops arrive at State House, Banjul. Sunday, 22nd January, 2017.January 29, 2017
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Senegalese soldiers under ECOWAS arrive to a hero’s welcome at State House. They fought their way through crowds to shake hands with the Gambian military and relieve them of their duties until a new government is formed under Adama Barrow. Sunday, 22nd January, 2017.January 29, 2017
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Celebrations in Banjul following the arrival of ECOWAS troops. Sunday, 22nd January, 2017.January 29, 2017
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Amidst mounting pressure from ECOWAS’ military intervention, regional leaders, the AU, UN and Gambia’s politicians and people, Yahya Jammeh flees the country, ending his 22-year rule. Reports suggesting he had taken 11 million dollars from the state coffers started circulating soon thereafter. Saturday, Jan 21, 2017.January 29, 2017
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Women prepare food for a wedding celebration. Many Gambians cite inter-tribal marriage as a key reason Gambian society does not fracture readily, even under intense political pressure and the very real prospect of civil war. Sunday, December 4th, 2016.January 29, 2017