The former president of Gambia, Yahya Jammeh who is currently on exile in Guinea and currently being investigated for charges of corruption and gross abuse of fundamental human rights during his 22 years reign, has been banned from entering into the United States of America.
The statement released by the United States Department revealed that both the former leader, his wife - Zineb Yahya Jammeh, and his children (Mariam and Muhammad) have been placed on a blacklist which prevents them from stepping foot in America.
The statement revealed that the United States government was interested in assisting the Adama Barrow-led government in the area of support for a transition to greater transparency, accountability and democratic governance.
Jammeh, who ruled Gambia for over two decades surrendered power in 2017 after the ECOWAS threatened a military intervention if he refused to leave office.
He had lost the polls to Adama Barrow in 2016, but refused to surrender power.
The decision by ECOWAS forced him out of office, and he is currently in Equatorial Guinea where regional leaders arranged for him to live in exile.
The statement reads:
"The United States is committed to combating corruption, increasing respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and promoting good governance globally.
"The United States stands with the government of The Gambia, its people and civil society in support of The Gambia's transition towards greater transparency, accountability and democratic governance, for the benefit of all Gambians."
Jammeh attended a military training course in Alabama and owns a real estate in Potomac, Maryland, about 24km from Washington, DC.
The property was previously owned by former American basketball player Calbert Cheaney, it was sold to the Jammeh family trust in 2010 for $3.5m.
Header Photo Credit: CBS News