Following
Yahya Jammeh's move into exile, the ECOWAS, AU and UN have spoken out
on the ex president's chances of returning to The Gambia.
Yahya Jammeh and Adama Barrow
The ECOWAS, African Union and UN have revealed that they would work
with the new Gambian government to ensure that former President Yahya
Jammeh was at liberty to return to the country when he wants to.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the former president left
Banjul on Saturday to go into exile after he was pressurised by the
ECOWAS to rescind his earlier decision not to accept the outcome of Dec.
1 presidential election, which saw him losing to the opposition
candidate, Adama Barrow.
Mr. Jammeh’s return would be in accordance with international human
rights law and his rights as a citizen and a former head of state, they
stated in a joint declaration in Banjul.
They commended the “goodwill and statesmanship” of the former president for facilitating “an
immediate peaceful and orderly transition process and transfer of power
to President Adama Barrow in accordance with the Gambian constitution”.
They also commended him for his interest in the Gambian people and preserving the peace, stability and security in the country.
The declaration stated that Mr. Jammeh’s departure from The Gambia
on Saturday was temporary adding that it was in order to assist a
peaceful and orderly transition and transfer of power and the
establishment of a new government.
The blocs noted that his leaving was without any prejudice to his
rights as a citizen, a former president and a political party leader.
They further assured that host countries that would offer “African
hospitality” to the former president and his family do not become undue
targets of harassment, intimidation and all other pressures and
sanctions.
They also committed to work with the current government to prevent
the seizure of assets and property lawfully belonging to Mr. Jammeh or
his family and those of his cabinet members, government officials and
party supporters.
“Further, ECOWAS, the AU and the UN commit to work with the
Government of The Gambia to ensure that it fully guarantees, assures and
ensures the dignity, security, safety and rights of former President
Jammeh’s immediate family, cabinet members, government officials,
Security Officials and party supporters and loyalists.
“ECOWAS, the AU and the UN urge the Government of The Gambia to
take all necessary measures to assure and ensure that there is no
intimidation, harassment and/or witch-hunting of former regime members
and supporters, in conformity with the Constitution and other laws of
The Gambia,” they stated.
The regional organisations said they would work with the government on national reconciliation to “avoid any recriminations”.
They also assured that they would take all measures to support the
maintenance of the integrity of the security forces and guard against
all measures that would create division and a breakdown of order.
“Pursuant to this declaration, ECOWAS will halt any military
operations in The Gambia and will continue to pursue peaceful and
political resolution of the crisis.”
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