The Gambia: Who is President Yahya Jammeh?

Gambian President Yahya Jammeh says his forces have thwarted a coup attempt in the capital of Banjul. Earlier on Tuesday gunfire erupted around the city.

Reports say troops blocked a bridge leading to the centre of the city amid speculation that some soldiers were trying to overthrow the government.

President Jammeh was outside the country at the time of the attack.

Peter Okwoche looks into this controversial president in more detail.