Gambian President asks for more time to hand over to Barrow

monjola sotubo

January 20, 2017 3:22 PM

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had given Jammeh till 12 noon to hand over or risk being forced out by joint military forces.

Gambian President Yahya Jammeh has been told to stand down after 22 years in power

President of The Gambia, Yahya Jammeh has asked for an extension of the

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had given Jammeh till 12 noon to hand over or risk being forced out by joint military forces.

However, Jammeh, whose whereabouts are unknown, has asked that the deadline be extended to 4 pm local time.

Troops from Senegal and Nigeria had been sent into The Gambia to force Jammeh out after he refused to step down despite the expiry of his tenure on Thursday, January 19.

The military action was however suspended to allow for last minute negotiations so Jammeh could leave the country peacefully.

“We think that up until the last minute there is still a solution through dialogue,” ECOWAS head, Marcel de Souza said

Meanwhile, Barrow has assumed the position of president after being sworn in on Thursday at the Gambian embassy in Dakar.

ALSO READ:Adama Barrow sworn in at Gambian Embassy in Senegal

Jammeh lost the December 1, 2016 elections to Barrow but refused to step down despite negotiations and threats from several quarters.

monjola sotubo