Senegal Troops Enter The Gambia

Senegalese troops have entered The Gambia in support of Adama Barrow, who was sworn in as president on Thursday after winning last month's election.

Mr. Barrow took the oath of office at the Gambian embassy in Senegal's capital, Dakar, and his legitimacy has been recognised internationally.

The West African regional bloc Ecowas has now given Yahya Jammeh until noon on Friday to leave office.

Ecowas has threatened to remove Mr Jammeh by force.

The 15-member UN Security Council has given them its backing, while stressing that a political solution should be attempted first.

Mr. Jammeh's refusal to leave office is supported by Gambia's parliament.

Mr. Barrow, who remains in Senegal, has said that he will not return to Gambia's capital, Banjul, until the military operation comes to an end.

Nigeria deployed reconnaissance aircraft over The Gambia on Thursday as part of the mission, warning that it was ready to strike militarily.

A convoy of heavily armed Senegalese soldiers, in full battle dress, could be seen heading for the Gambian border.
They are backed by Nigerian air and naval power, as well as other troops from Ghana.



SOURCE: BBC News