West Africa Regional Bloc Puts Forces On Standby For Gambia

Reuters is reporting that the West Africa Bloc has put their forces “on alert” in President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia does not voluntarily step down on the 19th of January 2017 when his mandate as president ends.

The West African bloc has said that they are offering an  “honourable exit” but will take action if he doesn’t. The Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) has said it will take “all necessary action” to resolve the situation.

President Jammeh is refusing to concede defeat after losing the presidential election to his opponent Adama Barrow.  Although he initially conceded defeat, on 9 December 2016, he rejected the result citing “unacceptable abnormalities”. He subsequently announced he had annulled the result, pending a new vote. He then filed a petition with the Supreme Court of the Gambia to contest the result.