Former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh has praised his host, Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, describing him as a “very intelligent and kind man” who has shown wisdom, generosity and forgiveness in his leadership.

Jammeh made the remarks in an audio, in which he spoke about his relationship with President Obiang and the advice he has received from the Equatorial Guinean leader.

Jammeh said President Obiang had informed him about allegations concerning him and described the Equatorial Guinean president as a leader who regularly encourages him to remain patient.

“I was called by my host, the President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, a very intelligent and kind man,” Jammeh said.

He added that whenever he meets Obiang, he expresses his frustration over what he described as “insults and injustice” in The Gambia.

“But President Obiang is always telling me to be patient, that everything that is happening is Allah,” Jammeh said.

Jammeh also praised Obiang’s leadership style, saying the Equatorial Guinean president leads by example.

“Just look at his leadership. I am very proud of The Gambia. But when I reached here I realized that somebody is way ahead of me,” he said.

The former Gambian leader further highlighted what he described as Obiang’s generosity and willingness to forgive political opponents.

According to Jammeh, individuals accused of attempting to destabilise Equatorial Guinea were taken to court and convicted before later receiving presidential pardons.

Jammeh said Obiang also advises people he believes are seeking power for its own sake to reconsider their ambitions.

“If he sees that you are power hungry, he advises you to stop, because it is something you could regret tomorrow,” Jammeh added.

Jammeh has been living in Equatorial Guinea since leaving The Gambia in January 2017 following a political crisis after he initially refused to accept the results of the presidential election won by Adama Barrow.

By Adama Makasuba