Gambia gives ex-presidents free holidays for life
Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:48 PM GMT

BANJUL (Reuters) - The parliament of Gambia, one of the world's poorest
countries, passed a law on Wednesday 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 (1,000 pounds) 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 (50 pence) 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.

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