Four Gambian ministers resign as neighbouring states prepare to step in

People hold placards reading "Gambia made its choice, save democracy in Gambia, save the new Gambia" during a protest in support of Gambia by Senegalese NGOs and civil rights groups in Dakar on December 17, 2017. (Photo: AFP)

Banjul: Gambia's ministers of finance, foreign affairs, trade and the environment have resigned from President Yahya Jammeh's government, state television said, as regional forces prepare to oust the veteran leader unless he steps down by Thursday.

Jammeh, in power since a 1994 coup, has become increasingly isolated at home and abroad after he refused to accept his Dec. 1 defeat to opposition leader Adama Barrow.