Commending West African Leaders’ Stance to Enforce Presidential Election Outcome in Gambia, Secretary-General Urges Restraint by Security Forces

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General commends the firm stance taken by the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on 17 December with respect to the situation in the Gambia, including the decisions to take all necessary actions to enforce the outcome of the presidential election, guarantee the protection of President-elect Adama Barrow, and attend the inauguration of President-elect Adama Barrow on 19 January 2017.

The Secretary-General remains deeply concerned about the situation in the Gambia following the presidential election on 1 December.  He is particularly worried that the Independent Electoral Commission continues to be under the control of military forces.  He urges the Gambian security forces to uphold their neutrality and demonstrate restraint under the unfolding circumstances.

The Secretary-General underscores the commitment of the United Nations to fully support the decisions taken by the ECOWAS Authority, including, if requested, through the provision of support to the mediation effort that will be led by Presidents Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria and John Dramani Mahama of Ghana.