President Yahya Jammeh in power since 1994 has been defeated at the polls. This is significant for a president who once said "he would rule for a billion years." Jammeh has stated he will not contest the results and that the opposition candidate had won. This change comes as a number of longtime African leaders have either been deposed internally or their nations invaded. Blaise Compore, Hosni Mubarak, Zine el Abidine Ben Ali, Francois Bozize, and Muammar Qaddafi are leaders no longer in power. It appears that Jammeh wants a smooth transition, but rarely do regimes that have lasted so long disappear quietly. The fear of ethnic conflict may be a factor in his recent decisions. However, this does not mean ethnic conflict or civil unrest is completely avoided. There could be Jammeh supporters who may not accept the electoral results and take up arms. A post-Jammeh Gambia could become unstable, if the new administration does not make adjustments. The possibility of political factionalism is high and there is a level of tension. The bigger question remains is if the president elect Adama Burrow can meet the needs of Gambian citizens. He has promised free education and healthcare including an end to the persecution of political opposition. These promises may not be delivered considering the poor economic conditions and high unemployment rate.
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