In a few hours, longtime Gambian leader Yahya Jammeh's presidential term will expire. But he is clinging to power as troops from regional powers reportedly amass at the border.

International and regional powers are demanding that Jammeh step down and make way for his rival, businessman Adama Barrow, who won last month' s presidential election.

The African Union has stated that it will stop recognizing Jammeh as president after his term expires at midnight local time. (Gambia is five hours ahead of the U.S. East Coast.)

And ECOWAS, the West African regional bloc, appears to be preparing to enforce the election result by force. The Nigerian air force said in a statement that it has moved "a contingent of 200 men and air assets" to Senegal's capital, Dakar, "from where it is expected to operate into Gambia."

Senegalese forces also are poised to cross the border, army spokesman Col. Abdou Ndiaye tells Reuters. "We are ready and are awaiting the deadline at midnight. If no political solution is found, we will step in," Ndiaye said, according to the wire service.

ECOWAS had earlier threatened military action if Jammeh refused to leave and is seeking "the U.N. Security Council's endorsement of its 'all necessary measures' to help remove Jammeh from power," The Associated Press reported. Gambia, "a country of 1.9 million people, is estimated to have just 900 troops," according to the wire service.

Jammeh, who has been president since he led a coup 22 years ago, initially accepted the result of the Dec. 1 election — but dramatically changed his mind a week later, saying that the results were void because of voting "irregularities." And earlier this week, he issued a 90-day state of emergency.

Parliament also extended his term for another three months earlier today, according to news reports, though that hasn't appeared to ease the tension heading into tomorrow's deadline.

Meanwhile, it appears Barrow is preparing to be sworn in as president. It's unclear where that ceremony would take place, as Barrow is in Senegal for his own protection.

"Our future starts tomorrow," Barrow said in a tweet.

Since Jammeh lost the election, "Gambian authorities have arbitrarily arrested opposition sympathizers and closed four independent radio stations," according to Amnesty International. The U.N.'s refugee agency says thousands of Gambians fearing violence have fled across the border to Senegal.

Tourists are also evacuating the country and a correspondent with The Guardian is posting pictures of crowded halls in the capital's airport, saying it is "absolute chaos."

Tour operator Thomas Cook said it is operating extra flights in order to "get our UK customers home from the Gambia as quickly as possible." The company adds that it hopes to transport some 3,500 people on 16 flights by Friday.

The smallest country on the African continent is a popular destination for tourists seeking sandy beaches.</s>Jammeh Succumbs To Pressure, Goes Into Exile As Barrow Is Sworn In As President In Senegal

Adama Barrow, the man who won The Gambia’s disputed election, was sworn in as president yesterday in Senegal.

This is just as former President Yahya Jammeh has succumbed to pressure and gone into exile.

Barrow took the oath at the country’s embassy in Dakar, Senegal, ordering Gambian soldiers to remain in their barracks.

Jammeh had earlier refused to vacate office, with the parliament extending his tenure by three months.

Efforts by West African leaders to persuade Jammeh to accept electoral defeat have been futile, and as such they have threatened to remove him by force. Jammeh lost the presidential election on December 1, 2016, according to the Gambian electoral commission; however, he wants the results cancelled, claiming errors in the electoral process.

Part of Barrow’s oath of office reads: “I, Adama Barrow, do swear that I’ll well and truly prosecute the functions of office the president of the Republic of The Gambia; that I will preserve and defend the constitution.”

At his inauguration speech, Barrow ordered all members of The Gambia’s armed forces to remain in their barracks. He warned that those found illegally holding arms will be considered rebels.

Those in attendance at the ceremony include Western ambassadors to Senegal, the UN envoy for West Africa and top officials from the regional bloc, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), among others, while hundreds of Gambian expatriates gathered outside the compound.

President Jammeh’s term was due to end yesterday before Gambia’s parliament extended it by three months. The parliament had also, on Wednesday, approved Jammeh’s decision to announce a 90-day state of emergency in the country.

ECOWAS leaders are determined to oust Jammeh and enthrone President Barrow by military means if the former remained adamant.

Military sources had told the BBC that troops from the subregion, led by Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal, had been deployed to the tiny West African country to make good the threat.

A Nigeria warship has sailed for The Gambia while the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) deployed 200 men and arsenal, including fighter jets, transport aircraft, light utility helicopter as well as surveillance, reconnaissance and intelligence equipment to Dakar, the capital of The Gambia’s neighbour, Senegal.

Nigeria’s contingent, led by Air Cdr. Tajudeen Yusuf, was airlifted from 117 Air Combat Training Group in Kainji.

The chief of air staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, who addressed the contigent before their departure, told them to maintain absolute discipline and professionalism during their mission

Senegal had given Jammeh yesterday’s midnight as deadline to quit and its troops were reported to have moved towards the border with The Gambia in readiness to throw him out.

To escape the looming crisis, thousands of Western tourists are being evacuated from The Gambia, a country popular for its beaches and frequented by European holidaymakers.

The tourists are responding to new travel advice from the UK Foreign Office.

The West African country was thrown into chaos after Jammeh rejected Barrow’s victory in the December 1 election.

Jammeh had initially accepted the result, but, in a surprise turn, changed his mind days later, citing electoral “abnormalities”.

Both the AU and ECOWAS told Jammeh they would not recognise him as president after the expiry of his term yesterday.

The US State Department also encouraged Jammeh to hand over power to Barrow, but all sensible appeals seem to have fallen on deaf ears.

Regarding the elections, and of the two results, the earlier one announced 24 hours after the polls displayed a large gap between Jammeh and Barrow, however, an amended version showed a closer margin between the two.

According to original results for both parties, Barrow won 263,515 votes (45.5 per cent), while the then President Jammeh won 212,099 (36.7 per cent).

The amended results published after the correction showed that Barrow won 222,708 votes (43.3 per cent) while Jammeh took 208,487 (39.6 percent).</s>Nigerian warship NNS Unity is sailing to Gambia ahead of the ECOWAS military intervention to flush out President Yahya Jammeh and install Adama Barrow, the winner of the country’s last month’s elections.

The vessel left the port of Lagos and currently off the coast of Ghana.

Senegal will be leading ground troops across its northern and southern borders into the Gambia.

President Yahya Jammeh has until Thursday to step aside peacefully or be forced to do so by the regional force.

The Gambia’s military of about 2,500 personnel is deeply divided. President Jammeh is relying heavily on his Republican National Guard, which includes his elite presidential guard and special forces to support him.

Liberia’s President and ECOWAS Chair Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said the position of the regional body has not changed. She insisted that Mr. Jammeh must respect the constitution of The Gambia.

Gambia’s President-elect Adama Barrow is currently in Senegal and will be accompanied to Gambia to be sworn-in by the West African troops.</s>In a few hours, longtime Gambian leader Yahya Jammeh's presidential term will expire. But he is clinging to power as troops from regional powers reportedly amass at the border.

International and regional powers are demanding that Jammeh step down and make way for his rival, businessman Adama Barrow, who won last month' s presidential election.

The African Union has stated that it will stop recognizing Jammeh as president after his term expires at midnight local time. (Gambia is five hours ahead of the U.S. East Coast.)

And ECOWAS, the West African regional bloc, appears to be preparing to enforce the election result by force. The Nigerian air force said in a statement that it has moved "a contingent of 200 men and air assets" to Senegal's capital, Dakar, "from where it is expected to operate into Gambia."

Senegalese forces also are poised to cross the border, army spokesman Col. Abdou Ndiaye tells Reuters. "We are ready and are awaiting the deadline at midnight. If no political solution is found, we will step in," Ndiaye said, according to the wire service.

ECOWAS had earlier threatened military action if Jammeh refused to leave and is seeking "the U.N. Security Council's endorsement of its 'all necessary measures' to help remove Jammeh from power," The Associated Press reported. Gambia, "a country of 1.9 million people, is estimated to have just 900 troops," according to the wire service.

Jammeh, who has been president since he led a coup 22 years ago, initially accepted the result of the Dec. 1 election — but dramatically changed his mind a week later, saying that the results were void because of voting "irregularities." And earlier this week, he issued a 90-day state of emergency.

Parliament also extended his term for another three months earlier today, according to news reports, though that hasn't appeared to ease the tension heading into tomorrow's deadline.

Meanwhile, it appears Barrow is preparing to be sworn in as president. It's unclear where that ceremony would take place, as Barrow is in Senegal for his own protection.

"Our future starts tomorrow," Barrow said in a tweet.

Since Jammeh lost the election, "Gambian authorities have arbitrarily arrested opposition sympathizers and closed four independent radio stations," according to Amnesty International. The U.N.'s refugee agency says thousands of Gambians fearing violence have fled across the border to Senegal.

Tourists are also evacuating the country and a correspondent with The Guardian is posting pictures of crowded halls in the capital's airport, saying it is "absolute chaos."

Tour operator Thomas Cook said it is operating extra flights in order to "get our UK customers home from the Gambia as quickly as possible." The company adds that it hopes to transport some 3,500 people on 16 flights by Friday.

The smallest country on the African continent is a popular destination for tourists seeking sandy beaches.</s>Adama Barrow has been sworn in as president of The Gambia at a ceremony attended by African and western diplomats in Senegal.

His inauguration at the embassy of The Gambia in Dakar was as a result of the refusal by Yahya Jammeh to relinquish power despite his defeat at the presidential election of December 1.

Mr. Barrow used his first speech in office to call on the Gambian security forces to “remain loyal to the constitution” and stay in their barracks, according to a report by the BBC.

He said soldiers found outside with firearms would be considered rebels.

“From today on I am the president of The Gambia regardless of whether you voted for me or not,” he said.

Mr. Barrow said his election was an opportunity for Gambians to “effect change that has been in the making for decades” and pledged “liberty and prosperity for everyone” regardless of ethnicity or gender.

He also vowed constitutional and legal reforms and said his election was the start of a meritocratic Gambia where “what you know” will count for more than “who you know”.

Governments around the world have been communicating their recognition of Mr. Barrow as the new president of the tiny West African nation of 2.8 million people.

The United Kingdom, in a statement by its Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, congratulated the new president, saying his election “were free and fair, and an orderly expression of democratic choice by the Gambian people”.

They represent a new chapter in the country’s history and an opportunity for change in The Gambia, it said.

 The UK paid tribute to the “decisive leadership shown by the West African regional body, ECOWAS, and the supportive role played by the African Union in ensuring that the democratic wishes of the Gambian people will be respected”.

It said it was “vital that former President Jammeh now stands aside to allow an orderly transition”.</s>DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — A West African regional force charged into neighboring Gambia late Thursday to support the country’s newly inaugurated president, while longtime ruler Yahya Jammeh showed no sign of stepping down.

The troops moved in shortly after Adama Barrow was inaugurated at Gambia’s embassy in neighboring Senegal, after a final effort at diplomatic talks with Jammeh failed to secure his departure. His mandate expired at midnight.

Senegalese military spokesman Col. Abdoul Ndiaye confirmed to The Associated Press that the first regional troops had crossed into Gambia and were on their way to the capital, Banjul. AP journalists saw at least 20 military vehicles gathered at the border town of Karang.

In his inaugural speech, which took place under heavy security, Barrow called on Jammeh to respect the will of the people and step aside. The new president also called on Gambia’s armed forces to remain in their barracks as the regional military intervention got underway.

Shortly after the inauguration, the U.N. Security Council unanimously approved a resolution expressing “full support” to Barrow, calling on Jammeh to step down and condemning his attempts to usurp power. The resolution also backed the regional efforts to get Jammeh to respect the election results.

Outside Gambia’s embassy in Dakar, Baal Jaabang held up a freshly framed portrait of Barrow, already printed with the words: “His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of Gambia.”

Barrow had come to Senegal last week at the urging of West African mediators, who had feared for his safety amid the political crisis.

He arrived at the embassy to cheers of joy from hundreds of Gambians who had gathered, with national flags, for a glimpse of the new president.

Barrow was declared the winner of the Dec. 1 election and at first was congratulated by Jammeh in a phone call aired on state television. But once it was suggested that Jammeh could face criminal charges linked to human rights abuses during his long rule, he backtracked and challenged the vote in court, alleging irregularities.

In recent days, Jammeh has tried to stay in power by declaring a state of emergency, while lawmakers voted to extend his mandate by three months.</s>BANJUL, Gambia (AP) — The Latest on Gambia’s political crisis, sparked by defeated leader Yahya Jammeh’s refusal to leave office (all times local):

Red carpets have been laid out at the airport in Gambia’s capital in what appears to be preparations for a speech and a departure.

West African leaders have been meeting with defeated leader Yahya Jammeh in an effort to persuade him to cede power to newly inaugurated leader Adama Barrow. A regional force is poised to push him out if talks fail.

The red carpets are laid out for a wooden podium and for the Mauritanian plane that brought the leaders to Banjul.

Gambia’s newly inaugurated leader has prayed for peace in the country he has yet to return to.

The Twitter account run by supporters of Adama Barrow posted a photo Friday evening of Barrow praying with Senegal President Macky Sall.

“We prayed for peace in Gambia,” the tweet says.

Barrow was sworn in Thursday at Gambia’s embassy in neighboring Senegal, where he has been for several days amid fears for his safety.

South Africa says it recognizes Adama Barrow as the legitimate president of Gambia and “looks forward to a close working relationship with him and the people of The Gambia.”

The statement from South Africa’s foreign affairs department also “urges former President Yahya Jammeh to cooperate with ECOWAS, and should step down peacefully.”

It says it hopes Barrow “returns to his country to assume the role democratically bestowed on him by the people of The Gambia.” Barrow is in neighboring Senegal, where he was inaugurated Thursday.

Gambia’s chief of defense forces has pledged his allegiance to the country’s new president Friday, a major shift as mediation continued to persuade defeated Yahya Jammeh to cede power.

Ousmane Badjie told The Associated Press the country’s security services all support the newly inaugurated Adama Barrow and said they would not fight a regional force that is poised to push out Jammeh if the current negotiations talks fail.

Comments

 WTOP is now using Facebook as our comment platform. Need help? Email us</s>Adama Barrow has been sworn-in as new President of Gambia.

He took the oath of office at the Gambian Embassy in Dakar, Senegal on Thursday.

Speaking after taking the oath of office, Barrow called on security forces to “demonstrate their loyalty” in a standoff with outgoing President of the country, Yahya Jammeh.

He said, “From today on, I am the president of the Gambia regardless of whether you voted for me or not.”

“I command the chief of defence staff and officers of high command to demonstrate their loyalty to me as commander in chief without any delay.

“I command all members of the armed forces to remain in their barracks, those found wanting or in possession of firearms without my order will be considered rebels.”

Jammeh, who was floored by Barrow in the last presidential election, first conceded defeat but later changed his mind citing irregularities during the polls. He has since challenged the results in court but has suffered several setbacks.

Following Jammeh’s insistence to clinch onto power, the country’s parliament, had on Wednesday backed his stay in office by extending his tenure by three months.

The action of the President has left many of the country’s citizens in fear as they have now fled to neighbouring Senegal.

Just yesterday, the country’s Vice President, Isatou Njie Saidy, resigned from her position.

The development is coming same day the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science, Technology and Religious Affairs, Abubacar Senghore, who is the eighth cabinet member, abandoned Jammeh.

Similarly, Counsel to the embattled President, Edu Gomez, fled the country to neighbouring Senegal after asking the President to step down in order to avoid a gruesome end to his tenure.

Earlier, Nigerian soldiers and a Nigerian warship were sent to the Gambia to terminate the 22-year old leadership of Jammeh who has vowed against handing over power.</s>MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Barrow was sworn in as the Gambia’s new president on Thursday at the country's embassy in Senegal as outgoing leader Yahya Jammeh kept refusing to step down.

"There is a strong tie with Britain and Gambia if you recall history… Any aspects that's going on in Gambia, Britain will be our number one partner in terms of trade, in terms of democracy, in terms of good governance," Barrow said.

Barrow reportedly added that the strong link had existed between the two countries since the United Kingdom colonized the Gambia and made it part of the Commonwealth of Nations.

The broadcaster also reported, citing government sources, that Jammeh asked to extend the deadline given to him to leave office until 16:00 GMT.

Senegal army representative Col. Abdou Ndiaye told Sputnik that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) began military intervention in the Gambia on Thursday to ensure the safety of Barrow.

Jammeh rejected the results of the presidential elections held on December 1, 2016, and filed a petition to the Supreme Court, refusing to step down until the court hears his case.

Never miss a story again — sign up to our Telegram channel and we'll keep you up to speed!</s>A last minute attempt to convince Yahya Jammeh to give up his role as Gambian president before Wednesday’s midnight deadline failed, according to sources in the country’s capital.

Mauretanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz allegedly made a last-ditch effort late Wednesday night to persuade Jammeh to stand down after more than two decades in power, but was not able to convince him.

Troops from Senegal, Nigeria and Ghana remained in position in neighbouring Senegal as the deadline passed.

Meanwhile 26,000 Gambians crossed the border into Senegal between the start of the year and Monday, with many continuing to flee the impending conflict in recent days, according to UNHCR spokeswoman Helene Caux in Dakar.

Eyewitnesses reported heavily armed soldiers arriving at the Senegalese border town of Karang late Wednesday, while the Nigerian Air Force deployed fighter jets and troops to Senegal ahead of a likely military intervention in Gambia, where the post-election political crisis was escalating.

Regional bloc ECOWAS pledged to send troops to ensure a peaceful transition of power after it failed in repeated attempts to convince Jammeh to cede power.

After ruling Gambia for 22 years, Jammeh has refused to accept the result of a December 1 election, which saw him lose power to real estate mogul Adama Barrow.

Halifa Sallah, a spokesman for the president-elect, said if Jammeh refused to step down by midnight, Thursday’s inauguration would take place at the Gambian embassy in Dakar due to the military intervention in Gambia.

The Nigerian Air Force said in a statement its deployment was in keeping with the West African bloc’s pledge to enforce the election mandate.

Nigeria moved 200 troops, fighter jets, transport aircraft, helicopters and other air assets to the Senegalese capital Dakar, and planned to move them from there into Gambia.

“The deployment is also to forestall hostilities or breakdown of law and order that may result from the current political impasse in Gambia,” the statement read.

Barrow fled Gambia on Saturday to Dakar amid fears of violence, but has insisted he would be inaugurated as scheduled on Thursday.

The president, who refuses to leave office, on Tuesday placed his army on highest alert and chief of defence staff, Ousman Badjie, repeatedly pledged his loyalty to the autocrat.

Experts, however, don’t believe Jammeh will be able to hold up a military battle for long.

The country of 1.9 million people has about 1,000 soldiers, little capacity to fight a well-trained army, for example that of Senegal, which has almost 20,000 troops.
Adama Barrow is sworn in as the Gambia's new President at the Gambian embassy in Dakar, Senegal.