By Andah John
Defeated president of The Gambia, Yahya Jammeh, is set to relinquish power today, after two decades.
But did you know that Jammeh is just one of 11 African leaders/dictators forced out of power in 14 years?
Let’s go to Burkina Faso, a neighbouring West African country.
Blaise Compaore (Burkina Faso)
On 31 October, 2014, Blaise Compaore fled his country after being ousted. It followed a revolt sparked by his efforts to extend his 27-year reign at the saddle.
Mohamed Morsi (Egypt)
On 3 July, 2013, the military ousted Egypt’s first democratically-elected leader, the Islamist Mohamed Morsi.
It happened after large demonstrations against his one-year rule.
General Francois Bozize (Central African Republic)
On 14 March, 2013, General Francois Bozize ran away from his own country after 10 years in power. What happened? Rebels from the Muslim-dominated group Seleka seized the presidential palace in Bangui.
Amadou Toumani Toure (Mali)
Do you still remember Captain Amadou Sanogo? He led soldiers to overthrow the Bamako government and detained President Amadou Toumani Toure on 22 March, 2012.
Muammer Gaddafi (Libya)
Muammer Gaddafi’s long-lasting reign came to a bloody end on 20 October , 2011. He was captured and killed while trying to flee Sirte, his home town and the last major city to fall nine months after NATO-backed rebels rose up against his regime.
Laurent Gbagbo (Cote d’Ivorie)
Adamant Laurent Gbagbo lost power on 11 April, 2011. He was arrested after a more than four-month crisis due to his refusal to recognise the victory of Alassane Ouattara in the 2010 presidential election. Gbagbo was captured after 10 days of fighting in Abidjan. The presidential residence was bombarded by UN and French forces in the process.
Hosni Mubarak (Egypt)
Hosni Mubarak was forced to step down on 11 February, 2011. It happened after widespread protests. And it ended his 30-year reign, which saw him relinquish power to the army.
Zine El Abidine Ben Ali (Tunisia)
Under mighty pressure, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali was forced out of power on 14 January, 2011. He fled to Saudi Arabia with his family, thereafter. He had led the nation for 23 years until his removal.
Marc Ravalomanana (Madagascar)
On 17 March, 2009, Andry Rajoelina seized power from then president Marc Ravalomanana with the backing of the military.
Charles Taylor (Liberia)
On 11 August, 2003, Charles Taylor fled his country, Liberia, to Nigeria under pressure from the international community and a rebellion.
