Tears and anger as defeated leader flees Gambia

(Sky News)- To the very end nobody was absolutely sure that Yahya Jammeh, The Gambia's president of 22 years, would actually leave.

A jet set to take him to Guinea had idled on the runway of the country's main airport in Banjul for seven hours as he continued talks with negotiators about his departure.

In searing heat journalists from home and abroad spent hours arguing with officials to allow them access to the airport before realising they had nowhere to go and nothing to do. Trapped on the baking apron waiting for a man renowned for his own self importance and fickle whim.

But as heavy bags were loaded and red carpets unfurled it became clear it really was happening. The military band arrived and then military outriders, horns blaring, their noise only eclipsed by the sounds of cheering. The president's supporters had come to say their farewells.

The man who had won four multi-party elections before losing and then refused to leave, finally emerged from his limousine and was walked to a podium where the band played the national anthem.

He stepped down and met the remnants of his political and military elite, waving occasionally to high level supporters allowed onto the tarmac. In truth these same people, faced with overwhelming international pressure and military force, had all but abandoned him, guaranteeing the end.

Then amid chaotic scenes they called out to him, shouting and crying, as he climbed the steps of the plane.

As he turned and kissed the Koran, before waving a final goodbye from the door, women collapsed, soldiers passed us in floods of tears and an outpouring of anger began.

"We need our president," an officer shouted at me as he passed. "He will be back."

All around me I could hear people talking to media outlets expressing their grief and anger. But I had seen thousands on the streets only days before celebrating the inauguration of the new president in an embassy in Senegal and paid just a little attention.

As we neared the gates leading from the runway we could hear a rumble of roars and anger. Clambering onto high walls men and women spat out abuse as we passed by. Turning a corner we were met by an angry mob, hundreds of men and women swearing and cursing, pushing us into a corner near our locked and driverless car.

They accused the western media of being liars and enemies of the people. Of fake news.

Shirtless men with sticks approached us in front of the baying crowd.

A single police officer ran from a side road and stood in front of them with his arms raised. The crowd backed down. Moments later an armed soldier supported him and we were left alone.

The point is ex-president Jammeh got 40% of the vote in the election and his distraught and angry supporters will need convincing that the political upheaval and changes here will include them.

It is a familiar theme this year - around the world.