Gambia's ex-leader returns from exile

Jawara: Wanted to return to family and friends

The first post-independence leader of Gambia, Dawda Kairaba Jawara, has flown home from exile for the first time, nearly eight years after being ousted in a military coup.

They are virtually holding him as a prisoner in his home

Lamin Waa Jawara
Nephew of Dawda Kairaba Jawara

On his arrival, security forces escorted Mr Jawara to his private residence in Banjul, and are reported to have barred family, friends and journalists from entering.

Captain Yahya Jammeh, who overthrew Mr Jawara, announced an unconditional amnesty for the exiled former leader in December.

Mr Jawara said he wanted to see family and friends and would return as a private citizen.

Now in his late 70s, Mr Jawara became Gambia's first prime minister after independence from Britain in 1965.

'Reconciliation'

"The government is trying to prevent the people from having any contact with the old man. They are virtually holding him as a prisoner in his home," said Lamin Waa Jawara, the former president's nephew.

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The Gambian Tourism and Culture Minister, Captain Yankuba Touray, denied access to Mr Jawara was being blocked.

"His return is part of the ongoing reconciliation efforts being promoted by the government," Mr Touray said.

"We are certainly not preventing anyone from coming into contact with him, although we will respect his wish to be left alone and not to be hassled by anyone".

Mr Jammeh has ruled Gambia since the coup and was elected to a second term in office in October last year.