Gambia becomes Islamic Republic

The Gambian President, Yahya Jammeh, has, in a unilateral move, declared his Muslim-majority country an Islamic republic, insisting that the move is a break with the country’s colonial past.

President Jammeh told state TV the proclamation was in line with Gambia’s “religious identity and values”, adding however that no dress code would be imposed and citizens of other faiths would be allowed to practise freely.

About 90 per cent of Gambians are Muslims with the country’s economy relying heavily on tourism.

Gambia has had its relationship with western countries strained over allegations of poor human rights record. The European Union temporarily withheld aid money to Gambia last year.

Jammeh, who has been president of the West African country for 21 years, said: “As Muslims are the majority in the country, the Gambia cannot afford to continue the colonial legacy.”

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