ECOWAS calls for putting nation's interests first in Gambia

Chairperson of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf on Saturday called on Gambians to follow Ghana's example and put the nation's interests above personal interests.

Ghana held a peaceful general election last December and smoothly transferred presidential power on Saturday, while in Gambia, incumbent president Yahya Jammeh reversed his initial acceptance of last year's election defeat and questioned the poll result.

In a solidarity message to mark the occasion, Johnson-Sirleaf said ECOWAS faces perhaps the most difficult situation in Gambia, where

Jammeh, who has ruled Gambia for 22 years, has submitted his grievances to the Supreme Court, which will start the review process on Jan. 10.

Johnson-Sirleaf, also president of Liberia, said the sub-regional bloc is closely following the process and the Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari is leading the effort as the mediator.

She said ECOWAS stands by the people of Gambia and will exercise every effort to sustain peace and democracy. Endit