Gambian President Yahya Jammeh has
declared his Muslim-majority country an
Islamic republic, saying the move marks a
break with the colonial past. Mr Jammeh told state TV the proclamation was in line
with Gambia's "religious identity and values". He added that no dress code would be imposed and
citizens of other faiths would be allowed to practise
freely. Some 90% of Gambians are Muslim. The former British
colony's economy relies heavily on tourism. However, relations with the West have soured
recently. The European Union temporarily withheld aid money
to Gambia last year over its poor human rights record. Mr Jammeh has been president of the tiny West
African country for 21 years. "As Muslims are the majority in the country, the
Gambia cannot afford to continue the colonial legacy,"
Mr Jammeh told state TV, explaining his decision to
proclaim an Islamic republic. Other Islamic republics include Iran, Pakistan and - in
Africa, Mauritania. Mr Jammeh withdrew Gambia from the
Commonwealth in 2013, describing the organisation
as neo-colonial. In 2007, he claimed to have found a herbal cure for
Aids.

www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-35082343

Behold the new Boko Haram and ISIS Headquarters in Africa!