The African Union has said it will cease to recognize Gambian President Yahya Jammeh as the leader of the small West African nation from January 19, the date he is due to hand over power to the winner of the December 1 poll.
The AU Peace and Security Council said in a statement that it would not continue recognizing Jammeh, who has remained adamant he will not step down, as President beyond January 19.
The statement was released after the Council met at the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, also warning of “serious consequences in the event that his action causes any crisis that could lead to political disorder, humanitarian and human rights disaster, including loss of innocent lives and destruction of properties”.
President Jammeh lost the December 1 election to Adama Barrow, and initially conceded defeat, even going as far as making a concession phone call to Barrow live on state television.
Barely a week later, the president receded his decision, saying he rejected the poll results because the election was marred with irregularities. He called for fresh elections.
West African regional leaders have been talking to the Gambian leader to give up power peacefully, also warning of consequences should he refuse to hand over power.
