Senegal surprised over Gambia President's poll remarks

By Alpha Kamara

DAKAR, Senegal

The Government of Senegal has expressed with deep surprise the “U turn” comments of Gambia’s outgoing President Yayah Jammeh rejecting the elections results and the President elect.

An official statement signed by Senegal's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mankeur Ndiaye, and circulated early Saturday, said "The Government of the Republic of Senegal strongly rejects and condemns the Declaration which contradicts an earlier statement made by President Jammeh acknowledging his defeat after the results of the election were published by the Independent Electoral Commission."

“Senegal considers null and void Jammeh's Friday Declaration which is a serious violation of the basic principles of democracy."

"Senegal demands that the outgoing President unconditionally respects the democratic choice, freely expressed by the Gambian people and organizes a peaceful transfer of power and ensures the security and physical integrity of the newly elected President is intact," the statement added.

"The Government of the Republic of Senegal solemnly warns against any tampering with the safety of Senegalese nationals living in The Gambia and finally, urges the Economic Community Of West African States, the African Union and the United Nations to work together and take all necessary measures to safeguard the results of the presidential election in The Gambia with respect for the sovereignty of the Gambian people”, the statement ended.

Zambia

Zambia 's former president Rupiah Banda has advised President Yayah Jammeh to respect the constitution of the Gambia and accept the decision of the people in the just ended election in the Gambia.

The former head of state told journalists in Lusaka Saturday morning that rejecting the election results and refusing to hand over power would not only destroy the spirit of constitutionalism but also endanger the Gambian people in general.

"By accepting defeat, President Yayah Jammeh will lose nothing but gain. I therefore advised my brother to accept the decision of people... the people that voted otherwise and save his country from destruction."

President Banda lost an election to late president Michael Sata and accepted defeat after the results were announced.

Longtime controversial Gambian President Yayah Jammeh on Friday rejected the results of the presidential election held earlier this month, raising the potential for tension across the country.

Jammeh accused the election commission of irregularities and malpractice, in a nationally televised address.

*Francis Maingaila also contributed to this report from Lusaka in Zambia