Defeated Gambia President, Jammeh Declares He is Ready for War

Defeated Gambian leader, Yahya Jammeh

Gambian President Yahya Jammeh has said he is ready to defend his country against any aggression. This comes after he accused the West African regional bloc - Economic Community of West African States - of declaring war for demanding that he stand down following his defeat at the ballot box.

The 15-member ECOWAS had warned Jammeh to step down as it would “take all necessary action to enforce the results” of the December 1 poll.

However, an AFP report revealed that during his New Year's speech on Saturday night, Jammeh had said the ECOWAS summit decision was “totally illegal” as it violated the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states.

“It is in effect a declaration of war and an insult to our constitution. It is therefore absolutely unacceptable,” said Jammeh.

“Let me make very clear that we are ready to defend the country against any aggression and there will be no compromise on this.”

Opposition leader Adama Barrow was declared the winner of the ballot in the former British colony and Jammeh — in power for 22 years — initially conceded defeat.

But he reversed his decision a week later, condemning “unacceptable errors” by election authorities and calling for a new election.

The Gambia’s top court said last month it was adjourning until January 10 a case filed by Jammeh to annul the vote results.

Jammeh’s stance has stoked international concerns about the future of the small west African country, with the UN joining African leaders in calling for him to allow Barrow to take the oath of office as scheduled on January 19.

But the 51-year-old strongman has remained defiant.

“Given the unjustifiable and unprecedented anomalies… what we are simply and rightfully asking for is to return to the polls and allow the Gambians to elect who they want to be their president in free and fair elections,” he said Saturday.