Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, who has been the leader of the country for 21 years have declared Gambia an Islamic state. The president makes the declaration in the coastal town of Brufut on Thursday,
Gambia's destiny is in the hands of the Almighty Allah.As from today, Gambia is an Islamic state. We will be an Islamic state that will respect the rights of the citizens. I have not appointed anyone as an Islamic policeman. The way women dress is not your business.Christians will be given their due respect. The way of celebrating Christmas will continue.
The president addressed that the country will not impose any dress code and other faiths in Gambia would be allowed to practise freely. Gambians is a country with 2 million people, 90% of whom are Muslims,8% are Christians and the 2% are indigenous religions.
The country make its revenue from tourism, but in recent years, the country relations with the West have soured and the European union have withheld aids to the country on the records of poor human rights.
In 2013, Jammeh withdrew Gambia from the Commonwealth, describing it as neo-colonial.