W. Africa troops enter Gambia to oust leader

JOHANNESBURG — In a landmark move to defend democracy, regional troops Thursday entered the tiny West African nation of Gambia to oust a president who has refused to cede power after an election defeat.

Senegalese troops entered Gambia hours after the incoming president, Adama Barrow, was sworn into office in neighboring Senegal. His predecessor, Yahya Jammeh, has refused to step down despite intense diplomatic pressure and threats of military intervention by other West African nations.

Jammeh last month rejected election results that saw him voted out of office after 22 years in power.

West African forces crossed into Gambian territory were on their way to the capital, Banjul, after the U.N. Security Council supported Barrow and called on Jammeh to accept defeat.

Barrow was sworn into office at the Gambian Embassy in the Senegalese capital of Dakar.

The swearing-in ceremony — and the military action in support of Barrow — was a significant moment for democracy in Africa, sending reverberations across the continent, as a regional leadership group, Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS, stood firm to protect an election, by force if need be.

Shortly before his inauguration, Barrow sent out a tweet: “It is time.”

After taking the oath of office, Barrow called on the U.N., African Union and ECOWAS to enforce the outcome of the election.

“As of today, I am the president of Gambians, regardless of whether you voted for me or not,” Barrow A convoy of Senegal soldiers moves toward Gambia on Thursday to force leader Yahya Jammeh to step down. Adama Barrow rejoices after his swearing-in Thursday in Senegal. said, pledging that from now on, life in Gambia would not be about who you know, but what you know.

“This is a victory of the Gambian nation. Our flag will now fly high among the most democratic nations of the world,” he said.

There was no comment from Jammeh.

Jammeh was left isolated after his term expired at midnight Wednesday and a last-ditch overnight diplomatic effort failed to budge him.

Jammeh was reportedly holed up in Gambia’s state house, the presidential residence, after he declared a state of emergency Tuesday, enabling him to rule by decree. Parliament extended his term for 90 days Wednesday.

If the regional force is going to arrest Jammeh, it will have to be there, an official said.

Many of Jammeh’s loyalists will resist, the official added.

But there were signs that some in Gambia’s military might not put up a fight. One soldier with close knowledge of the situation said several barracks had indicated they would support Barrow.

The soldiers spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to reporters.

Gambia’s army is estimated at well below 5,000 troops.

Jammeh also has been deserted by a raft of government ministers and officials, including Deputy President Isatou NjieSaidy, who had been in power since 1997.

West African leaders refused to accept Jammeh’s efforts to cling to power.

Jammeh took power in a 1994 coup and has been criticized by rights groups for jailing critics and opponents.