Dozens of loyalists of Gambia’s former President Yahya Jammeh and his APRC Party were openly crying at the Banjul International Airport as their strongman was flying into exile.
Many of his supporters including soldiers could not control their emotions as the former president entered the flight. They were crying openly and some of them fainted and rushed away in ambulances.
“He came to power without bloodshed and leaves power without bloodshed,” Mam Sai Njie, former Banjul Mayoress told the press while crying.
She said the former president does not deserve to be treated that way. She described the man as one of the greatest leaders of the land.
“Jammeh has made great developments in this country. He does not deserve to be treated like this way,” she said.
The security forces were harassing the press to move away while some military personnel were crying openly.
The Chief of Defense Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces Ousman Badjie was seen counseling the crying soldiers. It was tense and emotional to see their longtime leader flown out of the country.
“We are proud of this man. We are going to missed him,” one Pa Sainey Badjie said.
Badjie said he came from Switzerland to witnessed the occasion. He said whoever the West called dictator is the best person for Africa. He was crying openly.
“I want to die for Oga,” a young lady exclaimed.
Meanwhile, the former president waved at the people as he entered the flight.
The Army Chief, Deputy IGP and Director of Prisons were at the airport to see him off.
