Several African heads of state, Prime Ministers, Vice-Presidents and numerous foreign delegates from different parts of the world are expected to attend the third inauguration ceremony of President Yahya Jammeh, tomorrow Friday December 15, 2006 at the Independece Stadium in Bakau.

The four confirmed heads of state as of last night were President Girma Wolde-Giorgis of Ethiopia, President Faure Gnassingbe of Togo, President Nino Vieira of Guinea Bissau and President Ely Ould Mohammed Vall of the Islamic Republic of Mauritainia.

Official sources also confirmed the attendance of Prime Minister Su Tseng-Chang of Taiwan who arrives today and the Prime Minister of Morroco, Driss Jetto as well as the Vice-Presidents of Iran and Liberia. Dr Muhammed Chambers, Executive Secretary of ECOWAS and high-powered delegations from Algeria, Sudan, Cuba, Egypt, Senegal, South Africa, Ghana, South Korea and Sierra Leone, will also attend the Friday’s inauguration.

Speaking to the Daily Observer, Sulayman M Trawally, acting Permanent Secretary at the Office of the President and Chairman of the National Organising Committee, disclosed that invitation to the inauguration ceremony is open to the public.

Mr Trawally let the cat out of the bag when he revealed President Jammeh’s intended suprise of the biggest fireworks display ever seen. The display will be hosted by the new President-elect at the Banjul Beach, behind the State House, on Friday afternoon.

The innauguration celebrations will be exclusively dedicated to cultural performances, while the following day’s victory celebration will feature musical performances at the July 22 Square.

See Programme below:

Thursday 14th December 2006

- Official Dinner at The Kairaba’s Jaama Hall (by Invitation Only).

Friday 15th December 2006

09.00 Hrs All official invited guests to be seated.
09.10 Hrs Secretaries of State to be seated.
09.15 Hrs Arrival of the Honourable Speaker.
09.20 Hrs Arrival of Her Excellency, the Vice-President & Secretary of State for Women’s Affairs.
09.30 Hrs Arrival of H.E. The President of the Republic & Madam Jammeh to be received by H.E. The Vice President & Secretary of State for Women’s Affairs.
- National Anthem.

- Inspection of Forces on Parade.

- Prayers.

- H.E. The President to proceed to the podium for the swearing in, to be performed by His Lordship The Chief Justice of The Gambia.

- H.E. The President returns to the Presidential Dais.

- Statement by H.E. The President of The Republic.

- March past of the Forces on parade.

- March Off of The forces on parade.

- Entertainment by cultural troups.

Saturday 16th December 2006

- Victory Celebration at the July 22nd Square, in Banjul.

Programme commences at 3.00 pm