ECOWAS leaders move to uphold Gambia’s election results, say winner ‘must be sworn in’

West African leaders resolved at the end of an ECOWAS leader’s summit in Abuja at the weekend to ensure to uphold Gambia’s vote results.

They said they would attend the January 18 inauguration of Barrow, “who must be sworn in”, while also guaranteeing the safety of the president-elect.

Continuing, the West African regional bloc led by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said it would take all necessary actions to protect the result of a December 1 election in Gambia, where veteran President Yahya Jammeh says he will not step down after losing to Adama Barrow.

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ECOWAS agreed to “respect the will of the Gambian people” and said the group had nominated Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari to mediate.

“The authority (ECOWAS) shall undertake all necessary actions to enforce the result of the election,” the group added, calling on all stakeholders inside and outside the country to show restraint.

“(ECOWAS) calls on the Gambian defence and security to perform their role in a nationalistic manner and protect lives and property,” the final communique said.

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