Giving his first public address since ECOWAS decided to forcefully eject him, Yahya Jammeh expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve and thanked Gambians.
Making the announcement on state TV after talks with the presidents of Guinea and Mauritania, Jammeh said he believed that it was not necessary to have a “single drop bloodshed”.
“My decision to step down wasn’t dictated by anything but in the interest of the people of Gambia,” he said.
“All this while, as a Muslim and a patriot, I believe it is not necessary that a single drop of blood be shed.
“I have decided today in good conscience to relinquish the mantle of leadership of this great nation with infinite gratitude to all Gambians.
“I promise before Allah and the entire nation that all the issues we currently face will be resolved peacefully.
“My decision today was not dictated by anything else but the supreme interest of you, the Gambian people and our dear country.
“I’m proud and honoured to have served our country, the Gambia.”
Adama Barrow, who won the December 1 election, could not take oath of office in Gambia because of Jammeh’s refusal to hand over power.
