The president of Gambian Yahya Jammeh has in a New Year’s message warned of a possible mutiny in his country if the West African regional body ECOWAS attempts forcing him out of office.
Jammeh has accused ECOWAS of declaring war by claiming that it has placed on standby forces to get him out of office should he refuse to step down when his tenure ends this month.
The embattled Gambian leader in a speech broadcast on state television once again vowed to stay in power beyond his tenure.
He lost the elections of December 1 to Adama Barrow and although conceded defeat earlier he changed his mind claiming the elections were flawed. His tenure ends on January 19.
Mr. Jammeh said he will order his forces to defend Gambia against any outside aggression including that from ECOWAS.
“The resolution of ECOWAS on the current situation to implement the results of Dec 1, 2016 presidential election by whatever means possible….is in effect a declaration of war and an insult to our constitution,” Mr. Jammeh said.
He further sad “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.”
Mr. Jammeh’s rival, Adama Barrow is hoping to be sworn in once Mr. Jammeh’s tenure ends.
Source: Africafeeds.com
