Gambian leader Yahya
Jammeh accused West African regional body ECOWAS of declaring war, after it
said it was putting forces on alert in case he refused to step down at the end
of his mandate this month.
Reuters
report continues:
Jammeh,
who has vowed to stay in power despite losing a Dec. 1 election to rival Adama
Barrow, also promised to defend Gambia against any outside aggression, in a New
Year's speech broadcast on state TV.
The
veteran leader initially conceded defeat in the vote, then changed his mind
days later - raising fears that regional powers might have to intervene to oust
him. His mandate runs out on Jan. 19.
Marcel
de Souza, commission president for the Economic Community of West African
States (ECOWAS), said last week it had put standby forces on alert.
In
his speech, Jammeh decried "the resolution of ECOWAS on the current
situation to implement the results of Dec 1, 2016 presidential election by
whatever means possible," apparently acknowledging again that the poll did
not go in his favour.
"It
is in effect a declaration of war and an insult to our constitution," he
said. "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."
Barrow's
surprise victory and Jammeh's initial decision to concede after 22 years in
power was initially seen as a moment of hope on continent where autocratic
leaders are becoming more entrenched.
Nigerian
President Muhammadu Buhari has stepped in as an ECOWAS mediator to offer Jammeh
an "honourable exit", but Jammeh said the bloc could no longer fulfil
that role.
"ECOWAS has also disqualified (itself) to provide mediation services as a genuine mediator has to be neutral and impartial and win the trust and confidence of the parties to the conflict," he said.
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