Concerns grow as Jammeh deadline to step down looms

As the deadline for former President Yahya Jammeh step down expires, concerns grow regarding the possibility of a military intervention by regional troops.

The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) had extended Jammeh’s deadline to Friday at 2pm South African time to relinquish power.

Ecowas troops are already in Gambia.

Negotiations are under way with states like Guinea, Liberia and Mauritania to grant Jammeh asylum.

For Gambians in neighbouring Senegal, it’s an anxious time, according to Amnesty International’s West African Researcher in Dakar, Sabrina Mahtani.

“Many of them are telling their families to stay inside not to go out. I understand that the streets of Banjul have been deserted for the last few days; many Gambians are calling their friends and family members to be careful and also try to reach out to the military forces in Gambia and trying to persuade them not to take part in anything.”

“Many people have fled Gambia, many high level many ministers including the vice-president minister of information minister of finance have left Gambia as well,” adds Mahtani.

Jammeh is expected to hand over power to new President Adama Barrow.