“I hereby issue an executive order that nobody should be arrested or prosecuted due to acts or omission in the pre and post electoral period, effective 1st November 2016-31st January 2017,” said Jammeh in a televised speech yesterday.
Setting aside his strident tone since his rejection of the outcome of the presidential election, the outgoing president assumed a gentler manner ahead of Barrow’s inauguration on the 19th January.
He called for defence of the constitution and forgiveness to heal the differences.
Responding to Jammeh’s speech, journalist Sheriff Bojang Jnr. wrote on Facebook: “For the first time in 22 years, the man spoke to his people (even those who don't care about him and whatever he has to say) without arrogance.”
Is Jammeh about to accept defeat and peacefully hand over to president-elect Adama Barrow?
According to reports reaching What’s On-Gambia, the outgoing Commander-in-Chief has already asked the military to stand down and return to their barracks. Those posted at Westfield disappeared shortly after his speech.
Jammeh could leave a legacy if he steps down peacefully.