Gambia’s new president marks inauguration as nation cheers

Thousands turn out for the inauguration of Adama Barrow

BAKAU // Thousands of supporters gathered yesterday to finally celebrate the inauguration of Gambian president Adama Barrow, a month after he was sworn in across the border in Senegal during a tense power struggle.

February 18 is also the anniversary of the Gambia’s independence from Britain, but many are also calling the day the birth of a third republic after the long-winded ousting of Yahya Jammeh at the ballot box.

Several heads of state attended the event, a chance for Gambians to witness a swearing-in that echoed the official one a month ago.

Mr Barrow told crowds that he would investigate human rights abuses under Mr Jammeh’s despotic rule spanning 22 years.

He said “a human rights com- mission will be established without delay” to track people who were missing or had disappeared after being arrested.

“Orders have already been given for all those detained without trial to be released,” he said.

International pressure, including the threat of a regional military intervention, led Mr Jammeh to finally accept his December election loss and fly into exile in Equatorial Guinea.

Mr Barrow, 52, was born the year The Gambia gained independence.

He has committed to staying in the International Criminal Court and to rejoin the Commonwealth. He has also vowed to free political prisoners. The international community has quickly warmed to Mr Barrow’s approach, with the European Union announcing a US$80 million (Dh294m) package of support after breaking off assistance amid tensions with Mr Jammeh.

Mr Barrow arrived at Independence Stadium yesterday to fanfare, waving from his vehicle in flowing white robes. Gambians also cheered independent electoral commission chairman Alieu Momarr Njai, who had to flee to Senegal during the political crisis.

Senegal’s president, Macky Sall, was among honorary guests at the ceremony protected by troops from the West African bloc, Ecowas.

The regional force has been securing the country during the transition.

Mr Sall said the Gambia and Senegal, a regional power that surrounds the tiny country except for its coast, must strengthen economic and other relations. Many Senegalese live in the Gambia. Others attending included the heads of state of Ghana, Liberia and Ivory Coast and the US assistant secretary of state for African affairs, Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

British foreign secretary Boris Johnson also visited Mr Barrow this week, saying: “We are here to help.”