How Tinubu's Private Plane Flew Out Jammeh, Wife and Mother Into Exile as Ex-president's Aides Shed Tears

 

After agreeing to leave and save The Gambia from a major crisis, just  days of stand-off, former President Yahya Jammeh, finally quit office, yielding to last-minute pressure from Guinean President Alpha Conde and his Mauritanian counterpart, Mohammed Ould Abdel Aziz, who were with him between Friday and Saturday.

 

According to The Nation, the leaders in Gambia reached out to All Progressives Congress (APC) leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, after Jammeh was confronted by a big challenge on how to fly out, and the APC chieftain authorised his private aircraft to be used to fly Jammeh out of Banjul.

 

It was gathered that Tinubu’s VP-CBT Falcon Jet had been with President Conde, who is a close friend of the leading politician. It was not until late on Saturday night that Jammeh agreed to go. 

 

Sources said Tinubu was contacted to allow the use of his jet to fly Jammeh out of Banjul. He reportedly gave a condition: it should only be used “if it will facilitate the quick exit of Jammeh and lead to the restoration of peace and democracy in The Gambia”.

 

The plane eventually flew out with Jammeh, his wife, mother and President Conde on board.

 

 

It was also learnt that Senegal, insisted on knowing those on board before allowing it to overfly its airspace.  This wish was granted.

 

Jammeh was flown to Equitorial Guinea where he will be on exile

 

Jammeh arrived at the airport amid a large convoy of vehicles and throngs of cheering supporters. He stood on a small platform to hear ceremonial music performed by a military band and then walked down a long red carpet, surrounded by dignitaries.

 

He climbed the steps to the plane, turned and kissed and waved a Qur’an at those assembled.

 

It was an emotional farewell. Many soldiers, supporters and dignitaries were crying. Others in The Gambia were glad to see the end of a 22-year dictatorship which had little respect for human rights and freedom of speech.