Former Gambian Beauty Queen Fatou Jallow Is the First Woman To Publicly Accuse President Yahya Jammeh of Rape

Fatou 'Toufah' Jallow is the former winner of a state-sponsored beauty pageant who has come forward to allegedly claim Gambian President Yahya Jammeh of rape, BBCreports.

Jallow was 18 years old when she first met Jammeh after winning the competition, where he soon acted like a father figure to her. After showering her with gifts, advice, money and the like, Jammeh asked for her hand in marriage. She refused.

Jammeh's aide insisted that Jallow attend a religious ceremony at the State House in her role as the beauty queen in June of 2015, BBC continues, but was instead taken to Jammeh's private residence.

"It was clear what this was going to be," she says.

Now 23, Jallow says Jammeh raped her while he was in office in 2015—and wants to meet him in court to face justice.

She is also willing to testify before The Gambia's Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission, which was established by current President Adama Barrow. The Commission is delving into human rights violations that are reported to have occurred during Jammeh's 22-year regime.

"I've really tried to hide the story and erase it and make sure it's not part of me," she continues. "Realistically I couldn't so I decided to speak now because it is time to tell the story and to make sure that Yayha Jammeh hears what he has done."

Watch her story below.