President seeks to shed colonial past as he declares Gambia an Islamic republic

Gambia has been declared an Islamic republic in a move designed to distance the West African state from its colonial past. The tiny sliver of a country, named after the river from which British ships once allegedly fired cannonballs to fix its borders, joins the ranks of other Islamic Republics such as Iran and Afghanistan. “In line with the country’s religious identity and values, I proclaim Gambia as an Islamic state,” president Yahya Jammeh said on state television.

As Muslims are the majority in the country, the Gambia cannot afford to continue the colonial legacy.

President Yahya Jammeh

Islam is the predominant religion, practised by by about nine in ten of the country’s population. However, some observers said Mr Jammeh’s move was designed to appease the Arab world after his country’s relations with western countries have grown strained. He said other faiths would continue to enjoy their right to worship in the country, which is a popular destination with European tourists. “Christians and other religions will be given their own respect. Nobody has the right to interfere with their way of life. I have not appointed anyone as an Islamic policeman,” he said.

Also the way women dress is not your business. You are a Muslim; she is a Muslim. You should not tell her the way she should dress because it not your business. In the next world, you cannot defend her.

President Jammeh