"As Muslims are the majority in the country, the Gambia cannot afford to continue the colonial legacy," he told state TV, explaining his decision to proclaim an Islamic republic.
"Wadanka Gambia waxaa shacabkiisu ay u badan yihiin Muslimiin, sidaa awgeedna ma sii wadi karno ku dhaqanka sharciyadii ay gurmeystayaashu dajiyeen," ayuu Yahya Jammeh ka yiri Telefishinka Qaranka dalkiisa, isagoo sharraxayay sababta uu u qaatay go'aanka ah in dalkaas uu yahay Jamhuuriyad Islaami ah.