Int’l community hails Jammeh

By Omar Bah The United Nations, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) have commended the “goodwill and the statesmanship” of the former President of The Gambia, Yahya Jammeh, who decided to facilitate an immediate and orderly transition process and transfer of power to President Adama Barrow. Former President Jammeh’s decision comes after concerted mediation efforts by a number of African leaders since December last year to help resolve the crisis in the country following the presidential election. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also congratulated the African leaders for their success. “The rule of law has prevailed in The Gambia. I congratulate African leadership for this success in restoring democracy. The same also extended to the former President’s immediate family, cabinet members, government and security officials, and party supporters and loyalists,” noted the Secretary-General in a tweet posted on his account. Furthermore, the three organizations also said that they would work with the Government to ensure that no legislative action is taken against the former President and his entourage, as well as to prevent seizure of assets and properties lawfully belonging to them, and urged the authorities to take all necessary measures to ensure that there is no intimidation or harassment of former regime members and supporters. They also pledged to work with Gambian authorities on national reconciliation to cement social, cultural and national cohesion.]]>