U.S. to Jammeh: Ensure a peaceful transition in The Gambia …Ban dismayed at Jammeh’s ‘U-turn’

New York – The U.S. has asked outgoing Gambian President Yahya Jammeh to ensure a peaceful transition to President-elect Adama Barrow, saying “the people of The Gambia have spoken”.

Deputy Spokesperson of U.S. Department of State Mark Toner, in a press statement, said the U.S. strongly condemned Jammeh’s recent statement rejecting the Dec. 1 Presidential election result.

“We strongly condemn President Jammeh’s December 9 statement rejecting the December 1 election results and calling for new elections.

“This action is a reprehensible and unacceptable breach of faith with the people of The Gambia and an egregious attempt to undermine a credible election process and remain in power illegitimately.

“We call upon President Jammeh, who accepted the election results on December 2, to carry out an orderly transition of power to President-Elect Barrow in accordance with the Gambian constitution.

The U.S. called upon all institutions in The Gambia, including the elected leadership, the armed forces, religious leaders, political parties and civil society organisations to reject violence and peacefully uphold the will of the people that was expressed clearly through the ballot box.

“The people have spoken and it is time for Gambians to come together to ensure a peaceful transition to President-elect Barrow,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed dissatisfaction at outgoing Gambian President Yahya Jammeh rescinding his earlier decision of Dec. 2, in which he conceded defeat to President-elect Adama Barrow. Ban, in a press statement issued by his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, called on Jammeh to respect the outcome of the Dec. 1 presidential election.

“The Secretary-General is dismayed by the Dec. 9 statement by President Yahya Jammeh of The Gambia rejecting the outcome of the Dec. 1 Presidential election. “The Secretary-General calls on President Jammeh and all political actors and their supporters to fully respect the outcome of the election and to resolve all disputes that may arise from the electoral process through established legal procedures in an expeditious and transparent manner.”

The UN chief reiterated his earlier call for a peaceful, timely and orderly transfer of power, in full respect of the will of the Gambian people as expressed in the election. The secretary-general urges all stakeholders, including defence and security forces, to refrain from any statements or actions that may lead to violence or unrest, according to the statement.