West African leaders give Yahya Jammeh until noon today to relinquish power or be forced out                             

West African leaders have given Yahya Jammeh until noon today to leave office or be forced out by UN-backed regional forces after Senegalese troops entered The Gambia. 

Troops have been told to halt their advance until the deadline elapses. 
 
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is acting in support of Adama Barrow, who was sworn in as the new Gambian President yesterday.
 
His legitimacy as President, after winning last month's election, has been recognised internationally. 

Last-ditch mediation talks, led by Guinea's President Alpha Conde, are due this morning.

Chairman of the ECOWAS Commission, Marcel Alain de Souza, said that if the meeting with Mr Conde proved unsuccessful, militarily action would follow.

Senegalese army spokesman says Senegalese troops have entered The Gambia to ensure Adama Barrow assumes power as the country's new President. 

It comes shortly after Mr Barrow took the oath of office at The Gambia's Embassy in the capital of Senegal.

In his inaugural speech, he ordered all members of The Gambia's armed forces to remain in their barracks. 

He warned that those found illegally holding arms will be considered rebels.

The Gambia's President-elect Adama Barrow took the oath of office at his country's embassy in neighbouring Senegal. 

The ceremony was administered by Sheriff Tambadou, President of the Gambian Bar Association.

Representatives from the UN and ECOWAS witnessed the event.
 
The UN has approved a resolution backing West Africa's military intervention. 

The Gambia's parliament voted earlier this week to extend Yahya Jammeh's rule by 90 days while he challenges his election defeat in the courts. 

Mr. Barrow in his inaugural speech said he would be heading back home soon promising to ensure peace in the country. 

Meanwhile, Nigeria's air force is flying over The Gambia, as regional troops prepare to force Yahya Jammeh to quit after his December election defeat.

BBC