“I believe in the fear of Allah and forgiveness” were the words of His Excellency President Yayah Jammeh whilst undertaking an action that the people of The Gambia have referred to as unprecedented, in the history of their country.

This was when President Yayah Jammeh last week acting within the powers conferred upon him by section 82 of the constitution of The Gambia pardoned all those convicted of treason, since 1994 to 2013 and are serving death sentences or life imprisonment, including a Sierra Leonean citizen for drugs.

Giving his address during the 21st year anniversary celebration at the July 22nd Revolution in Banjul, President Jammeh said all those convicted of murder and has served at lease ten years are pardoned.

With regards hard drugs, the Gambian leader said all those who have served five years for cocaine and other hard drugs are forgiven. For convicted rapist says President Jammeh, if the victim is above 20 years, then the culprit is pardoned, including all Gambian dissidents.

“In as much as we welcome everybody, irrespective of your color, your race, your religion or wherever you come from or your culture, all convicted foreigners should be deported immediately” he announced.

The Gambian leader warned all those pardoned and their families to never be on the wrong side of the law again for the next ten years or they will pay the price. He reiterated that drugs, drug trafficking, murder and rape are hence not tolerated in The Gambia.

“As Muslims and good Christians the Holy Quran and Holy Bible teaches us about forgiveness and total devotion to Allah. If I don’t forgive then I am not a good leader. My strength lies in my belief in the Almighty Allah” President Jammeh said.

Meanwhile, less than a week after their release, the pardoned convicts staged a solidarity march in the capital city of Banjul. They openly pledged their support for President Jammeh and his government.