BANJUL– The Gambian government has issued a firm warning to its former leader, Yahya Jammeh, stating he will be arrested if he returns from exile.
CDA News reports that the warning comes after an audio message from Jammeh was played to supporters, in which he announced plans to come back to the West African nation next month.
Jammeh, who ruled The Gambia from 1994 to 2017, now lives in Equatorial Guinea. He was forced from power after losing an election.
In a statement, The Gambia’s Ministry of Information said, “If and when Mr. Jammeh returns, robust legal processes will be activated. This will include investigation, arrest, and prosecution.”
The government stressed that Jammeh’s right to return does not protect him from being held accountable for alleged crimes.
A special truth commission investigated Jammeh’s rule and found evidence of widespread human rights abuses, including killings, torture, and witch hunts. The government has committed to prosecuting those named in the report, including Jammeh himself.
Officials also denied that any deal for immunity exists for the former dictator.
