Gambia's Jammeh says will step down on state TV

Gambian leader Yahya Jammeh. Photo/AFP

Gambian leader Yahya Jammeh said Saturday he would step down to keep peace in his country after 22 years in power, following last-chance talks with Guinea and Mauritania's presidents before a military intervention.

"I have decided today in good conscience to relinquish the mantle of leadership of this great nation with infinite gratitude to all Gambians," Jammeh said in a statement broadcast on state television.

The leader declared his decision to leave office -- after weeks of stalling through threats and legal action -- was his alone, despite immense pressure from west African leaders to hand power to Adama Barrow, who won a December 1 election.

"My decision today was not dictated by anything else than the supreme interest of you the Gambian people and our dear country," Jammeh said in the declaration.

"At a time when we are witnessing trouble and fears in other parts of Africa and the world the peace and security of the Gambia is our collective heritage which we must jealously guard and defend," he added.