Now that the political storm is over in the Gambia and the uncertainty of who steers the country’s ship ends, Jubilant Gambians are preparing to welcome home their new president, Adama Barrow who was once an estate agent.

According to Ceoafrica, Adama Barrow’s return will cap days of anxious waiting in the tiny former British colony that was thrown into chaos when long-time president Yahya Jammeh refused to step down after losing last December's vote.

Barrow took the oath of office at his country’s mission in Dakar a week ago and a multinational African force then entered The Gambia to ensure his safe return home and Jammeh’s departure.

Gambians said they were looking forward to their freedom after two decades of Jammeh’s iron-fisted rule in the former British colony, and would be welcoming at the airport.

“I’m 100 percent a Barrow supporter and I’m more happy than I can say,” said Kanamo Sansou, sitting with his friends at Serrekunda market close to the capital Banjul.

“He will be different in all aspects… we have been living under dictatorship for 22 years,” added pensioner Ibrahima Gaye.

“You can go home at night and sleep without worrying you will be arrested before daybreak,” he said.

A senior government official had said that Barrow would be returning at 1600 GMT on Thursday, saying: “It is important for him to come to avoid the void”.