Gambia lifts directive on head scarves for female workers

Gambia’s government says it has lifted a recent directive stating that all female staff with the government must cover their hair during office hours.

President Yahya Jammeh had issued the memo urging female staff to use head ties to wrap their hair.

The order sparked resistance from opposition leaders, activists and pro-democracy groups.

The presidency, in a statement on Wednesday to state radio, said the directive is lifted.

Jammeh seized power in the Gambia 1994 and Rights groups accuse him of gross human rights abuses, including a clampdown on political opponents.