SENEGAL STATEMENT

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(Translation of the Official Statement by Senegal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mankeur Ndiaye, on Yahya mankeur-ndiayeJammeh’s U turn, not recognizing anymore President elect Adama Barrow)

The Government of the Republic of Senegal is surprised to hear a Declaration made on Friday, 9th December, by the outgoing President of the Islamic Republic of The Gambia, Mr. Yahya Jammeh, questioning the results of the December 1st 2016 Gambian presidential election, won by Adama Barrow.

Senegal strongly rejects and condemns this Declaration which contradicts an earlier statement made by the outgoing President, himself, acknowledging his defeat after the results of the election were published by the Independent Electoral Commission.

Senegal considers null and void Jammeh’s Friday Declaration which is a serious violation of the basic principles of democracy.

Senegal demands that the outgoing President unconditionally respects the democratic choice, freely expressed by the Gambian people; that he organizes a peaceful transfer of power and ensures the security and physical integrity of the newly elected President is intact.

The Government of the Republic of Senegal solemnly warns against any tampering with the safety of Senegalese nationals living in The Gambia.

Finally, the Government of the Republic of Senegal urges ECOWAS, the African Union and the United Nations to work together and take all necessary measures to safeguard the results of the presidential election in The Gambia in respect for the sovereignty of the Gambian people.