Gambia gives ex-prez free holidays for life

BANJUL, Dec 14: The parliament of Gambia, one of the world's poorest countries, passed a law yesterday to give former presidents free foreign holidays, cars and personal staff for life after they leave office.

The bill entitles ex-leaders of the West African nation to have three cars with drivers and fuel, holidays abroad each year, personal secretaries and 1 million CFA francs 2,000 dollar a month, courtesy of the state.

Gambia's current president Yahya Jammeh, an authoritarian former coup leader, won a third term of office in September.

A bird lover who often carries a ceremonial sword, Jammeh has said he wants to rule the former British protectorate -- where 60 percent of people live on less than 1 dollar a day -- for another three decades.

It was not immediately clear whether presidents overthrown in a coup would enjoy the benefits of the new law.

REUTERS