SA welcomes Jammeh's decision to step down

South Africa has welcomed former Gambian president Yahya Jammeh’s decision to step down without a fight.

Jammeh announced he would relinquish power early Saturday morning, under pressure from the international community and with West African troops inside Gambia ready to use force if necessary.

Jammeh said he did not want a single drop of Gambian blood to be shed.

We are very happy that finally he has decided to step down

Department of International Relations spokesperson Clayson Monyela has commended Jammeh, saying the continent wants a peaceful transfer of power.

“We have on two occasions called for him to step down and allow a new president, Adama Barrow to come back to Gambia to form a new government. We are very happy that finally he has decided to step down and the will of the people of Gambia has prevailed, this is what we would like to see on the continent. We commend President Yahya Jammeh for stepping down peacefully.”