The Gambia - Rise to power

After the 1994 coup, the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council (AFPRC) was formed, with Jammeh as chairman. The AFPRC announced a 14-member government that was evenly split between military and civilian members. Upon seizing power, the AFPRC issued decrees that restricted the political rights of Gambians. Preemptive arrests of military personnel with the rank of captain or major were carried out. The domestic situation continued to deteriorate. Civilians who had been coopted to serve in the AFPRC government were removed from office and placed under detention. Harassment of the press increased. On 24 October 1994, the AFPRC announced that the transition program to return the country to civilian rule would not be accomplished until the end of 1998. The international community found this timetable unacceptable, and the Gambia labor movement, the Teachers Union, and the Bar Association demanded a speedier return to civilian rule.