Troops enter Gambia to take out President Jammeh

Troops with backing of ECOWAS have entered Gambia to ensure Adama Barrow assumes power as the country’s new president.

This followed his swearing in at the Gambia’s embassy in Dakar, the capital of Senegal.

Senegalese army spokesman, Col. Abdou Ndiaye, was quoted by news agencies as saying the country’s troops entered Gambia on Thursday afternoon.

This is just as the Nigerian Air Force spokesman, Ayodele Famuyiwa, said Nigerian troops had surrounded the country and could strike if situations demanded.

“Armed reconnaissance air force are over Gambia. They have the capacity to strike,” AFP quoted Famuyiwa as saying.

West African military forces have made it clear they are ready to enforce a transfer of power in the country, a popular beach destination among European holidaymakers.

In his inauguration speech, Adama Barrow ordered all members of The Gambia’s armed forces to remain in their barracks.

“Those found illegally holding arms will be considered rebels,” Barrow warned.

Oath of office was administered on Barrow by the president of The Gambia’s Bar Association.

After the oath taking, Barrow called for international support as troops from neighbouring African countries, including Nigeria, prepared to back him in a showdown with Jammeh.

Jammeh had been in power since 1994 before Barrow’s victory in December 1 election officially brought his 22 years rule to an end on Wednesday, but he's still holding on.