Disgraced ex-president Jammeh looms over Gambia election

FILE PHOTO: A security officer of former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh cries as he arrives at the airport before flying into exile from Gambia, January 21, 2017. REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon

BANJUL (Reuters) - At a pre-election rally last month, supporters of Gambia's main opposition coalition cheered the opening of the star attraction - a speech by former President Yahya Jammeh delivered over a crackly phone line from exile 2,000 miles away.

"(President) Adama Barrow destroyed everything good I left for Gambians to benefit from - the hospitals, agriculture and education," Jammeh said to enthusiastic applause. "We should all unite and vote him out."