The Gambia has rejoined the Commonwealth which was branded as a “neo-colonial institution” by its former leader Yahya Jammeh.
Jammeh withdrew his country from the Commonwealth – an organization for former British colonies, five years ago.
A ceremony was held at the Commonwealth’s headquarters in London on Thursday to mark the West African nations return to the group.
#HappeningNow: The flag of #TheGambia has now been raised and stands tall in the gardens of the #Commonwealth’s headquarters, #MarlboroughHouse. pic.twitter.com/en6s7GPvuH
— The Commonwealth (@commonwealthsec) February 8, 2018
Current President of The Gambia, Adama Barrow applied for his country’s readmission to the body when he took office in 2017.
The Gambia has become the fourth country to return to the Commonwealth – after South Africa, Pakistan and Fiji.
The #Commonwealth welcomes #TheGambia! 52 countries become 53
Find out more about The Gambia: https://t.co/HKrlNTG6Ab pic.twitter.com/TBsDPATueE— The Commonwealth (@commonwealthsec) February 8, 2018
The Commonwealth complained about Jammeh’s human rights record during his tenure leading to animosity between him and the organization.
The former military leader was forced out of power after he lost an election in 2016 to Adama Barrow.
He is currently living in exile in Equatorial Guinea although there are signals the new administration in The Gambia is considering having him extradited back to face justice for his crimes.
Source: Africafeeds.com
