President jammeh declares gambia islamic state

On December 31, 2014, President Yahya Jammeh of The Gambia declared the country an Islamic state, stating that it would be a "Islamic democracy" and that the country would be governed according to Islamic law, also known as Sharia.

Jammeh, who had been in power since 1994, made the announcement in a televised address to the nation, saying that the move was necessary to "save" the country from Western influence and to promote Islamic values.

The declaration was met with widespread criticism from human rights groups, opposition parties, and the international community, who expressed concerns about the potential impact on the rights of non-Muslims and women in the country.

The Gambia is a predominantly Muslim country, with around 95% of the population identifying as Muslim. However, the country has a long history of religious tolerance and has traditionally been a secular state.

Jammeh's declaration was seen as a move to consolidate his power and to appeal to his core supporters, who are predominantly Muslim. However, it also raised concerns about the potential for increased repression and discrimination against non-Muslims and women.

In the years following the declaration, there were reports of increased restrictions on the rights of non-Muslims, including restrictions on their ability to practice their religion and to hold public office. There were also reports of increased violence and intimidation against women who did not conform to traditional gender roles.

In 2017, Jammeh was defeated in presidential elections and forced into exile. The new government, led by President Adama Barrow, has taken steps to roll back Jammeh's policies and to promote religious tolerance and human rights in the country.

It's worth noting that the declaration of The Gambia as an Islamic state was not recognized by the international community, and the country's constitution and laws remain secular.