Senegalese troops backed by other
African forces have being poised to enter The Gambia after President
YahyaJammeh refused to leave office, ignoring a midnight deadline to stand down
or face military action.
Jammeh’s army chief said his troops
would not fight their entry into the country, as the Mauritanian president flew
out of The Gambia following hopes of a last-minute deal to convince Jammeh to
hand over power.
Jammeh’s mandate ended at
midnight but he has refused to leave office after losing elections
last month to Adama Barrow, prompting west African states to ramp up pressure
on the president following weeks of failed diplomacy.
Nigeria sent troops and fighter jets
to Senegal, whose own forces massed on the Gambian border.
According to reports, the UN
Security Council is scheduled to meet today to adopt a statement on West Africa
that will reaffirm the demand for Jammeh to hand over power.
Senegal has also requested UN
backing for regional action against the long-time president.
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