Gambia’s president, Yahya Jammeh, has accused the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), of declaring war against his country for refusal to step down at the end of his mandate this month.
Jammeh, who accused ECOWAS of putting forces on alert in case he refused to step down, has vowed to stay in power despite losing a December 1 election to rival Adama Barrow.
He also promised to defend Gambia against any outside aggression, in a New Year speech broadcast on state TV.
Jammeh initially conceded defeat in the vote, then changed his mind days later – raising fears that regional powers might have to intervene to oust him. His mandate runs out on January 19.
Marcel de Souza, ECOWAS president, said last week that the body had put standby forces on alert.
In his speech, Jammeh decried “the resolution of ECOWAS on the current situation to implement the results of December 1, 2016 presidential election by whatever means possible”.
He apparently acknowledged again that the poll did not go in his favour.
“It is in effect a declaration of war and an insult to our constitution.
Let me make it very clear that we are ready to defend this country against any aggression.
My government will never opt for such confrontation but defending our sovereignty is a sacred duty for all patriotic Gambians,” he said.
Barrow’s surprise victory and Jammeh’s initial decision to concede after 22 years in power was initially seen as a moment of hope for the country.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari together with some West African leaders had stepped in to offer Jammeh an “honorable exit,” but Jammeh said the bloc could no longer fulfill that role.
I have been reporting for several years now and I am very interested in visual news reportage with strong inclusion of photos and video multimedia.
Posted: at 1-01-2017 08:22 PM (7 years ago) | Addicted Hero
If his handover would be like jonathan's to buhari. Let him remain there. I don't pray that any country goes tru what we are going through now after power change over
Posted: at 2-01-2017 03:01 AM (7 years ago) | Hero
na die you wan die like those who did it before you .I can't imagine we still have animals in this continent ,who can't think beyond their noses.Doe of Liberia perpetuated himself in power at last was ousted and killed in the most embarrassing way.Gbagbo followed he is serving his ass now in jail,Gadafi lost it all because of his strongman stubborn head .Na wa for some animal in black skin .U no go learn from history
Spare me
Posted: at 2-01-2017 09:55 AM (7 years ago) | Gistmaniac
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