Accra - The West African regional bloc stands with the people of Gambia and will apply diplomatic solutions to solve the country's political crisis, the body's chair said on Saturday.

The Economic Community of west African States has before threatened to send troops led by neighbouring Senegal to Gambia if President Yahya Jammeh does not step down when his mandate ends on January 19.

The longtime leader lost a December 1 election to opposition coalition candidate Adama Barrow.

Jammeh initially conceded, but later called for a new vote.

The United Nations, the United States, the European Union and others have united in criticising him.

Jammeh's party filed a petition to the country's Supreme Court against the election, and a key court ruling is expected January 10.

Liberia President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said on Saturday the West African bloc, which she chairs, hopes diplomacy will help democracy prevail in Gambia.

"We want to apply diplomatic solutions to solve the problem," Sirleaf said.

Asked if troops would be moved into Gambia she responded, "No, we want to keep the region peaceful."

However, in recognition of the solidifying crisis, the United States on Saturday advised American citizens not to travel to Gambia "because of the potential for civil unrest and violence in the near future."

The US State Department also ordered relatives of diplomats and embassy staff to leave Gambia and warned all its citizens to depart now, saying those who choose to stay should "prepare for the possible deterioration of security."

Sirleaf spoke at the inauguration of Ghana's new president, where she met with other leaders from the regional bloc known as Ecowas.

President Nana Akufo-Addo was sworn into office in Ghana's capital on Saturday in a peaceful transition following the election last month in which he defeated the incumbent.

"We call on the people of Gambia to follow the example of Ghana by accepting democratic rule," Sirleaf said.

Sirleaf said West Africa cannot go back to a time when most countries were under military rule.

Jammeh seized power in a bloodless coup in 1994, and his administration has been accused of gross human rights violations including arbitrary detentions and deaths in custody of political opponents.

http://mobile.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/01/06/world/africa/ap-af-gambia-crisis.html

"United States on Saturday advised American citizens not to travel to Gambia "because of the potential for civil unrest and violence in the near future."

Prevention is better than cure.

Flexherbal:
"United States on Saturday advised American citizens not to travel to Gambia "because of the potential for civil unrest and violence in the near future."

Prevention is better than cure.

of course.. it has always been better.. let's just see how it will play out for Jameh when ECOWAS, UN, USA, and EUROPE come for him..

If Jameh thinks he wont be bombed out of office if he does not hand over, he is high on paw paw leaves

Some useless people wants to turn the country like say na their family inheritance... If the people don't want you go for them like G.E.J

Kini big deal

War War War

Hmmm....Gadaffis fate awaits him..

A government at work. As a citizen of America, you must pay tax to American government irrespective of where you work (US the only major country in the world that does this).

But you're guranteed of privileges and support irrespective of where you live as an American citizen.

African leaders and sit-tight behavior are like 5&6. They would rather die in power.

engrdosmen01:
War War War

its really brewing.. I guess Jameh is prepared..

Mynd44:
If Jameh thinks he wont be bombed out of office if he does not hand over, he is high on paw paw leaves

Jameh won't last beyond January 19th if he continues to be stubborn...

****

war is looming

this is the very first my post made FP since 1:47pm On Sep 07, 2014.. I just got a testimony for church today...

This is a power hungry guy.... took power by force and only by force would he be removed. I hope they don't kill him.... just capture him and sentence him to life with hard labour.

They should leave this man alone abegi. Let the court rule on the matter first.

Jammeh! Jammeh!Jammeh! how many times did I call u?

pride. thts it. mere looking at his face, u will see it

Jammeh, your own don be


Meanwhile,

Hand over please and save us all from all this unnecessary shits.

I need to speak sense into Jammeh

America should send Jahmeh's family living in USA back to Gambia

Jammeh, your political ambition is not worth the blood of any Gambian. So, kindly do the needful.

Siddeek:
They should leave this man alone abegi. Let the court rule on the matter first.

In as much as we all know that the court is likely to have been compromise I agree with what you said.

Libya , Syria are prime example of what forceful remover could result to.

War

Flexherbal:
"United States on Saturday advised American citizens not to travel to Gambia "because of the potential for civil unrest and violence in the near future."

Prevention is better than cure.

How does that concerns you?

That man better do something now unless he has choosen to go the way of his role model Gaddafi.


I don't know why most Islamic Presidents claims to rule till they die and at the same time claiming that only the Allah can stop them... Do they even respect the Allah they talks about??

Where are the likes of IDI Amin, Sadan Hussain, Muamar Gaddafi today?

This is too common with African leaders. They take it as if is monarchy

Where are the I don't give a fu**k Nigga's your attention is needed here. Cause as it is I don't give a fu**k.

Mynd44:
If Jameh thinks he wont be bombed out of office if he does not hand over, he is high on paw paw leaves

Who will bomb him? You?