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2nd Ld-Writethru: Adama Barrow sworn in as Gambian president in Senegal

Xinhua, January 20, 2017 Adjust font size:

Adama Barrow was sworn in as Gambian president on Thursday at the Gambian embassy in Dakar, capital of Senegal.

Barrow, who officially became the third head of state of his country, after Dawda Jawara (1970-1994), and Yahya Jammah, in power since 1994 through a coup d'etat, was sworn in in front of Sheriff Tambedou, President of the Gambia Bar.

Senegalese Prime Minister Mahammed Dionne, foreign ambassadors to Senegal and officials from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) attended the ceremony.

In his first presidential speech, President Barrow called for national unity. "Thanks to the citizens of The Gambia, this is the first time that The Gambia changes its government through elections," Barrow stressed.

He called on Jammeh to respect the Constitution of The Gambia, confirming that "he will soon form his government and return to The Gambia."

"We want peace, and we invite every one to cultivate peace," Barrow reaffirmed at President of The Gambia.

A candidate of the coalition of seven opposition parties, Barrow, staying in Dakar since Saturday, was declared the winner of the presidential election on December 2, 2016 by the Independent Electoral Commission.

But he was unable to take over the presidential power in Banjul because his election win was recognized and then challenged by then president Jammeh, who refused to cede power to him despite the steps taken by the heads of state of the ECOWAS.

On Wednesday, a few hours before the end of Jammeh's official mandate, the National Assembly of The Gambia passed a resolution to extend his mandate by three months, exactly the period of time of a state of emergency declared by Jammeh on Jan. 17.

The UN Security Council on Thursday adopted a resolution, asking Gambia's leader Jammeh to transfer power to President Adama Barrow by today.

Senegalese army spokesperson colonel Abdou Ndiaye confirmed Thursday evening to Xinhua that Senegalese forces had entered The Gambia to back Barrow. Endit