Gambian President Yahya Jammeh returned to Banjul yesterday, official sources said, one day after gunfire erupted around the presidential palace in the capital and the government denied media reports of a coup attempt.
Jammeh was in either France or Dubai when that violence broke out and returned home via N’Djamena, where he told Chadian officials during a refueling stop on Tuesday evening that he planned to return home.
Jammeh, 49, took power in a coup 20 years ago and since then has stifled dissent in the impoverished West African nation. He has come under increasing criticism from abroad over issues ranging from human rights to his claims that he can cure AIDS.
Banks in The Gambia reopened yesterday, as people headed to work and the city’s key Denton Bridge was also open, witnesses said.
On Tuesday, state radio played traditional music and an announcer read a government statement playing down the incident.
“Contrary to rumors being circulated, peace and calm continue to prevail in The Gambia,” it said. “[The] government would like to urge the public and all businesses to continue with their normal activities.”
Witnesses in the center of Banjul on Tuesday said that security forces were stationed on street corners and patrolled streets after hours of shooting earlier in the day.
Although, the government denied reports of an attempted coup, a diplomat said gunmen had attacked the State House.
A senior west African diplomat told reporters that gunmen controlled parts of the capital on Tuesday.
In Washington, the US Department of State said it was aware of reports of a coup attempt.
“We strongly condemn any attempt to seize power through extra-constitutional means. We regret the loss of life and call on all parties to refrain from further violence,” it said in a statement.
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