BANJUL, Gambia (AP) – Gambia’s President Adama Barrow was finally returning home Thursday, solidifying his position as the country’s new commander-in-chief after a political crisis that sent the previous ruler into exile.
Barrow was scheduled to arrive in Gambia at 4 p.m. (16:00 GMT) to an impromptu welcome, coalition spokesman Halifa Sallah said. A larger ceremony will take place at a later date, he said.
Gambians eagerly await Barrow, who has promised to reverse many of the authoritarian policies of former leader Yahya Jammeh. Barrow defeated Jammeh in December elections, but the veteran leader did not want to cede power.
Barrow was sworn into office on Jan. 19 at the Gambian Embassy in Senegal because of security threats as Jammeh clung to power.
Jammeh left Gambia last weekend, bowing to international pressure that included a regional military force, ending a more than 22-year rule. The West African force that was poised to oust Jammeh if diplomatic talks failed has been securing Gambia for Barrow’s arrival.