Preparing to step down? Jammeh appoints mediator, calls for amnesty and forgiveness

In clear indication that Gambia’s outgoing President Yahya Jammeh may soon step down, on Wednesday he appointed a mediator to facilitate meetings between himself and president-elect Adama Barrow.

The ruling party’s secretary general will mediate between Jammeh’s supporters and the opposition to “resolve any mistrust and issues,’’ Jammeh said in a televised address to the nation early Wednesday.

Jammeh ordered the justice minister and national assembly to draft a general amnesty bill, while issuing an executive order not to arrest or prosecute citizens for “acts or omissions’’ committed during the pre and post electoral period, between Nov. 1 and Jan. 31.

He said this will ensure there is no witch-hunt so that Gambians can live in a climate of confidence and security within the constitutional mandate.

He called all to forgive each other, especially the political class.

The announcement comes a day after the Supreme Court postponed hearing a court petition filed by Jammeh to challenge the election results.

The case was adjourned to Monday, since only one of a required minimum of five judges was present, the court’s registrar said.

Several West African heads of state meanwhile postponed a meeting with Jammeh aimed at helping to resolve the political crisis from Wednesday to Friday.

Wednesday, January 11, 2017