Gambians develop soft spot for dictator Yahya Jammeh whose mother just died in exile

Gambians showed love to former leader Yahya Jammeh whose mother died on Friday by his side in Mongomo, Equatorial Guinea where he was forced into exile after the December 2016 presidential elections.

Asombi Bojang’s died after spending a year and seven months with her son who recently created panic in The Gambia after an audio conversation of him and his party leaders hinting a comeback leaked.

The government of The Gambia led by President Adama Barrow was quick to send messages of condolence to the former leader whom they condemned for the content of the recently leaked audio.

“Following news of the demise of Aja Asombi Bojang, mother of former President, Yahya Jammeh, His Excellency Adama Barrow on behalf of the people of the Republic of The Gambia, the first family and on his own behalf expresses his condolences to the former Head of State and his family. President Barrow prays for Allah to grant her eternal peace,” the presidency said in a statement.

The government proceeded to send a delegation which included the Vice President Ousainou Darboe and cabinet ministers to the home of the brother of Yahya Jammeh, Ansumana Jammeh, on Sunday to extend the country’s condolences.

Asombi Bojang will be flown to The Gambia for burial at her native village of Bujinga, reports Gambian journalist Alhagie Jobe on social media citing Jammeh ally Yankuba Colley as the source of the information.

Meanwhile, the former president cannot be present at the burial of his mother as he is barred from returning to the country per the terms of agreement he signed before he relinquished power.

Gambians followed the presidency’s gesture of commiserating with the former leader by expressing their condolences and prayers for Jammeh’s mother.