Gambian long time leader Yahya Jammeh has reportedly agreed to step down

Gambian leader of 22 years Yahya Jammeh has reportedly agreed to step down and cede power to the country's president, Adama Barrow, confirmed a government official on Friday who added that final arrangements are being made to the agreement.

Adama Barrow, who defeated Jammeh in the December, 1 election was sworn in as the country's new president on Thursday, in Senegal, following Jammeh's refusal to step down and immediately the UN Security Council voted unanimously for regional military intervention aimed at ousting Jammeh.

But a last minute change ensure that a deadline was extended for Jammeh, as regional mediators offered him one last chance to voluntarily cede power on or before noon Friday following which military action will be forcefully used against him upon his refusal.

According to reports, it now appears that a deal was reached and preparations underway for Jammeh to depart the country, including red carpets rolled out for him at the airport.

In confirmation of the deal, new president, Adama on Friday night tweeted;

"I would like to inform you that Yahya Jammeh has agreed to step down. He is scheduled to depart Gambia today."