The Gambia has been declared an Islamic republic by President Yahya Jammeh who said he wanted to further distance the West African nation from its colonial past.

The tiny, formerly secular country joins the ranks of other officially Islamic republics such as Iran and Afghanistan.

“In line with the country’s religious identity and values I proclaim Gambia as an Islamic state.

“As Muslims are the majority in the country, Gambia cannot afford to continue the colonial legacy,” Jammeh said on the state television.

The Gambia’s population of 1.8 million people are 95% Muslim. Jammeh said citizens of other faiths would still be able to practise.

Credit: Punch