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UN chief holds phone talks with Gambian president-elect on peaceful power transfer

Xinhua, December 30, 2016 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Thursday held a phone conversation with Adama Barrow, president-elect of Gambia, saying the UN is committed to supporting a peaceful, timely and orderly transfer of power in the African country.

Ban congratulated Barrow on his electoral victory and encouraged Barrow to call upon his supporters to show restraint and not to resort to violence, according to UN spokesperson's office.

Barrow won Gambia's presidential election on Dec. 1. The outgoing Gambian president Yahya Jammeh, who had previously conceded his defeat, rejected the results a few days after the election.

Jammeh's term ends on Jan. 19, 2017. To ensure a peaceful transition of power in the country, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has decided to send troops to ensure "the safety of the President-elect, political leaders and the entire population," said a document.

Ban said the UN welcomes and fully supports the decisions of the ECOWAS, and he also expressed the readiness of the United Nations to support Barrow and his future government in efforts to promote democracy and achieve sustainable development in Gambia. Enditem