Gambian activists urge justice as longtime leader steps down

BANJUL, Gambia (AP) — As Gambia's defeated authoritarian ruler prepares to leave the country, human rights activists demand that he be held accountable for alleged abuses.

Jammeh's agreement to step down brought an end to the political crisis in this tiny West African nation of 1.9 million, that attracts British and European tourists to its tropical weather and Atlantic beaches, promoted as "the Smiling Coast."

Gambian human rights activists are insisting that Jammeh be held accountable for alleged human rights abuses during his 22-year rule and that he not be able to keep funds illegally amassed.

An online petition urged that Jammeh not be granted asylum and should instead be arrested for alleged human rights abuses.

[...] after human rights activists demanded his arrest for alleged abuses, Jammeh refused to accept his defeat and refused to leave power.