The Gambia - Head of Government

His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya A J J Jammeh is serving his third term in office as President of The Gambia following his victory at the September 2006 presidential election. Dr Jammeh first took office in October 1996 and won a second term in the October 2001 presidential election.

Dr Jammeh served as Chairperson of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the West African Monetary Zone in 2005. He was appointed first Vice-Chairperson of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference at its 9th Meeting of Heads of State and Government in Doha, Qatar, in 2001. He also served as Chairperson of the Inter-States Committee for the Control of Drought in the Sahel from 1997 to 2000.

Dr Jammeh served in The Gambia National Army from 1984 to 1991, and The Gambia National Army’s Military Police from 1992 to 1994. He is a graduate of the US Military Police Training Centre in Fort McClellan, Alabama, USA. In 1994, Dr Jammeh, who was then a Lieutenant, was Chairperson of the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council. He attained the rank of Colonel in 1996 before retiring from the army.

Dr Jammeh was educated at The Gambia High School. He was conferred an honorary Doctorate in Law from the University of The Gambia in 2004.

Dr Jammeh was born on 25 May 1965 in Kanilai Village, Foni Kansala District, The Gambia.

More at: www.statehouse.gm