WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement about Gambian President Jammeh’s refusal to accept election results and ongoing tensions in the country.
“I am deeply troubled by Gambian President Yahya Jammeh’s refusal to accept the results of the December 1 election and engage in a peaceful transition of power to President-elect Adama Barrow.
“I condemn the seizure by the government and security forces of the Independent Electoral Commission’s headquarters and call upon them to reopen radio stations and free opposition activists. The government should protect, not infringe upon, the right to free expression.
“I commend the steps taken by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to uphold the election results and ensure the will of the Gambian people is respected. As indicated by the support of the African Union and the United Nations, the international community stands with the people of the Gambia.
“As the designated ECOWAS Mediator for the Gambia, I urge President Buhari of Nigeria to continue to pressure President Jammeh to step down on January 19 when his mandate expires.”