RantCrush Top 5: January 19, 2017

Gambian President Yahya Jammeh once declared that he would rule for “a billion years.” His people, however, don’t agree. During last month’s election, he lost after 22 years in power. Jammeh is known for human rights abuses and claims to be able to cure AIDS using the unscientific remedy of a “prayer” and a “banana.”

Jammeh is refusing to leave his seat as president, claiming that there were irregularities in the voting system. On Tuesday he declared a state of emergency and warned against disobedience. Other West African nations are preparing to go in and remove Jammeh by force. Jammeh has responded that his own military is ready to defend Gambia.

Gambia waits anxiously as defeated president tightens his grip before rival’s inauguration. https://t.co/Hd3nSh77Lc pic.twitter.com/em25s78Nv3

— New York Times World (@nytimesworld) January 19, 2017

This looks like the beginning of a potential conflict, as senior officials have left the country in protest, at least 26,000 civilians have fled, and hundreds of tourists have been evacuated. Adama Barrow, who defeated Jammeh in the election and is widely popular among the people, is still planning on having his inauguration ceremony today. This will be a rocky transition, to say the least.

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.