UN, Gambia to investigate December coup attempt in Gambia

The United Nations will work with the Gambian government to investigate the December military coup attempt in Gambia, UN envoy for West Africa Muhamed Ibn Chambas said on Thursday.

"UN has strongly condemned the unfortunate events that had happened here in Banjul in December as I said, and UN came out with a very clear statement underscoring the total rejection of any attempt to accede to power by unconstitutional means," Chambas said.

The UN envoy said there is a zero tolerance policy for unconstitutional accession to power in Africa and the UN completely subscribed to this.

"Culprits to this recent attack are brought to face justice with due process and respect for human rights. So I think we are very pleased that the Gambian authorities are willing to work with the UN to ensure that this matter is thoroughly and properly investigated," he said.

This will be a deterrent for others who may seek to try and overthrow constitutionally constituted government and authority in Gambia and anywhere in Africa, he continued.

Two Gambian dissidents are currently facing trial in United States for allegedly being involved in the last month's presidential palace attack in Banjul, after which four people were confirmed dead and four sustained serious injury. Endi