Desperate President Jammeh Begins Crackdown

*Two private radio stations shut

Security forces in The Gambia have shut down two private radio stations, the main press union has said, amid a crisis over President Yahya Jammeh’s refusal to step down

after his defeat.

Head of The Gambia Press Union Emil Touray yesterday described the closure of Teranga FM and Hilltop Radio as a “slap in the face” for democracy.

This is the first sign of a crackdown on the media since Mr Jammeh refused to accept defeat in the December 1 poll.

He first took power in a coup in 1994.

The Gambian strongman initially conceded to property developer Adama Barrow, but then launched court action to annul the result, saying the poll was marred by irregularities.

But the electoral commission said the poll was free and fair.

Both radio stations were closed on Sunday.

“People will not have access to information in this critical period of our history,” Touray is quoted by Reuters as saying.

Why is President Jammeh trying to turn that small country into a war zone?