New president of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, has returned to the country, after his swearing in ceremony at their embassy in Senegal.
His arrival was greeted by loud celebrations in the streets of Banjul, with some excited citizens capturing his return on their mobile devices amid songs of joy.
Barrow has been in Senegal for several days at the request of West African leaders until his planned inauguration.
Speaking after taking oath of office in Dakar, he called on security forces to “demonstrate their loyalty” in a standoff with outgoing President of the country, Yahya Jammeh.
He said, “From today on, I am the president of the Gambia regardless of whether you voted for me or not.”
“I command the chief of defence staff and officers of high command to demonstrate their loyalty to me as commander in chief without any delay.
“I command all members of the armed forces to remain in their barracks, those found wanting or in possession of firearms without my order will be considered rebels.”
Barrow defeated Jammeh in last month’s presidential election.
Although Jammeh initially conceded defeat, he later changed his mind citing irregularities during the polls.
This comes as a spokesperson for the Senegalese army confirmed troops have entered Gambia, following Jammeh’s refusal to step down as president of the country.
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