EU frees aid to Gambia under Barrow

THE GAMBIA has sworn in a new government and the European Union (EU) has pledged to release development aid funds following the return of President Adama Barrow and the forced departure of former dictator and president Yahiya Jammeh.

Jammeh was driven out of the country by Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) forces who invaded the country shortly after Jammeh refused to step down after his presidential mandate ended on January 19.

His exit meant Barrow, who won last year’s presidential elections with 45% of the vote, was able to return to The Gambia after he fled to neighbouring Senegal where he was inaugurated due to the deteriorating security situation in The Gambia. Eleven people were sworn in as ministers in the new government, government spokesperson Halifa Sallah said. Another seven people are to be appointed in the next few days based on competence and qualifications. The EU ambassador to The Gambia, Attila Lajos, said $37million (R494m) earmarked for development in the country for 2015/16 is to be released.