BEVERLY HILLS, January 03, (THEWILL) – President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia has promised to defend his country against any outside aggression as he accused the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) of declaring war against his country.
Jammeh, who lost the December 1 election to rival Adama Barrow, has vowed to stay in power having initially conceded defeat in the vote, then changed his mind days later.
This prompted some ECOWAS leaders to call for his hand-over while Marcel de Souza, Commission President for ECOWAS, said the body had put standby forces on alert.
Reacting to the alert, Jammeh, in a speech broadcast on state TV, described the statement by Souza as an insult on the sovereignty of The Gambia.
“The resolution of ECOWAS on the current situation to implement the results of the election by whatever means possible is condemned,” he said.
“It is in effect a declaration of war and an insult to our constitution.
“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.”
Story by Oputah David
