The Gambia's President Yahya Jammeh has declared a state of emergency, just two days before he is supposed to cede power after losing elections last month. In a national TV address, Jammeh said on Tuesday the measure was necessary because of "the unprecedented and extraordinary amount of foreign interference" in a December 1 presidential vote, which he lost to opposition leader Adama Barrow. Jammeh also cited external interference in "the internal affairs of The Gambia and the unwarranted hostile atmosphere threatening the sovereignty, peace, security and stability of the country". The state of emergency, which is supposed to last 90 days, bans "acts of disobedience" and "acts intended to disturb public order".
A former coup leader who has ruled the small West African country since 1994, Jammeh initially conceded defeat but a week later contested the poll's results stating irregularities. Barrow, who is currently in Senegal, is scheduled to take office on January 19. He insists his inauguration will proceed as planned. Haque said the declaration of the state of emergency raised concerns about freedom of speech and arbitrary arrests in the country, as well as the potential implementation of a curfew and the closure of borders. Jammeh is refusing to step down despite international pressure and a threat by other West African nations of a military intervention.
He has lodged a challenge to the election result with The Gambia's Supreme Court and last week filed a fresh injunction to prevent the chief justice from swearing Barrow into office.
dude..just leave!
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