Former president Yahya Jammeh has vowed his imminent return to rule The Gambia again, telling his critics not to flee the country if they are true to their words that he would never come back home.

Jammeh has been living in exile in Equatorial Guinea since losing the 2016 presidential election to President Adama Barrow. 

Addressing his supporters via telephone at Diabugu in Upper River Region over the weekend, Jammeh said “whether someone likes it or not or whether the Jinns (spirits) like it or not, my return to The Gambia will happen and I will rule the country again. 

“All those who are saying that Yaya will not come back to the country do not usually go by God’s wish because they are Satanic people. Let them wait for me if I will not come back to The Gambia.”

Meanwhile, he warned the opposition that he will not accept any defection if he comes back to rule the country.

“There are places in The Gambia that would not vote for me during election, but after elections they would come and say they were misled by the opposition. But I swear to God that would not be accepted this time around,” he added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba