No word of ECOWAS military action in Gambia as National Assembly extends Jammeh’s term

Even though the West African regional bloc, the Economic Commission of West African States (ECOWAS), has indicated its intentions to intervene militarily in the political crisis in The Gambia in support of the will of the people, hours to the swearing-in of the President-elect, Adama Barrow, there is no word from ECOWAS on the action.

Meanwhile, even though, according to the Constitution of The Gambia, President Yahya Jammeh’s term ends at midnight today January 18, 2017, before the day had started, the country’s National Assembly passed resolutions declaring a State of Emergency and extending its own life and his term for another three months. Decisions that expressly indicate Jammeh’s unwillingness to step down.

As Jammeh refuses to step down, citizens fear a possible military action. Nigeria has reportedly sent a warship to the coast of The Gambia. Thousands of citizens are fleeing the country, as well as tourists. Tourism is the backbone of the Gambian economy.

Since Jammeh lost presidential elections held on December 1, 2016, accepted the results but changed his mind days later, rejected the results and called for fresh elections, the country has been plunged into a political crisis.

Winner of the elections, President-elect, Adama Barrow who is currently in the Senegalese capital, Dakar, insists, he would be inaugurated tomorrow, but it’s not clear where the ceremony would be held, as large gatherings are prohibited in The Gambia as a result of the State of Emergency.

If ever there was military action, it would be led by troops from neighbouring country, Senegal.

The African Union has served notice to Jammeh, that it would withdraw recognition for him at the end of his term.

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi
Copyright ©2017 by Creative Imaginations Publicity
All rights reserved. This piece, or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in reviews.