Gambia’s Jammeh Accuses ECOWAS of Declaring War following His Refusal to Handover Power

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.