Gambian leader, Yahya Jammeh, has accused West African regional body, 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 Dec. 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.
The veteran leader 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 Jan. 19.
Marcel de Souza, commission
president for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), said last
week that the body had put standby forces on alert.
NAN
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