Barrow Sworn in as Gambian President as Ex-Leader Seeks Deal

West African leaders have vowed to remove Yahya Jammeh by force, as the former president – who has the backing of parliament – has refused to accept the election result and step down.

Jammeh says that because the legal process is ongoing, it would be unconstitutional for Barrow to assume office.

Despite initially conceding defeat following his election loss, Mr Jammeh then dismissed the result and claimed the vote had been marred by irregularities.

Barrow said he had to be inaugurated at Gambia’s embassy in Senegal on Thursday because Jammeh refused to cooperate or provide security for a ceremony inside the country. “Therefore, we fully support Ecowas calling for the president-elect to be sworn into office in conformity with the constitution of the country”, she added. Fearful of what will happen, some 26,000 Gambians have fled and tourists are being evacuated from Africa’s smallest country, many to neighbouring Senegal whose troops are massed on the border waiting on Barrow’s invitation to invade.

Mr Jammeh was at his official residence, State House, in The Gambia’s capital and meant to stay there, an official close to the administration said.

Adama Barrow remains in Senegal as efforts continue to get defeated leader Yahya Jammeh to agree to cede power.

“This is the day we’ve been waiting for”, Sanna told me as he and hundreds of Gambians gathered outside their country’s embassy in Dakar, Senegal to celebrate the inauguration today of President Adama Barrow. Although the election was regarded by global observers as legitimate, Jammeh nullified the vote and has refused to leave office.

Mr. Jammeh, has been meeting with the President of Guinea, Alpha Conde, and President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz of Mauritania within the period over the situation.

She welcomed a declaration by Badjie that his troops would not prevent Jammeh’s removal by force.

Tensions in the region grew as ECOWAS members tried and failed to reach an agreement with Jammeh, who announced a state of emergency on Tuesday in response to what he called an “unwarranted hostile atmosphere, threatening the sovereignty, peace, security and stability of the country”.

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. Some told reporters they were waiting for President Jammeh to go and would take to the streets once Barrow was sworn in.

Nigeria said its “armed reconnaissance air force are over Gambia”, AFP reports.

Senegalese troops remain stationed at the Gambian border, despite the deadline for Jammeh to stand down passing at midnight.