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11 Gambian ambassadors endorse Barrow over Jammeh

Dec 23, 2016, 11:43 AM

At least eleven Gambian ambassadors in different parts of the world have called on the incumbent president Yahya Jammeh to hand over power to the president-elect Adama Barrow.

The ambassadors: Dembo M. Badgie in Beijing, Momodou Badgie in Ankara, Elizabeth Ya Eli Harding in London, Dr Mamadou Tangara in New York, Momodou Aki Bayo in Moscow, Teneng Mba Jaiteh in Brussels, Momodou Pa Njie in Dakar, Lang Yabou in Madrid, Masanneh N. Kinteh in Havana, Abdou Jarju in Bissau and Mass Axi Gai in Addis Ababa said they were “taken aback” by Jammeh’s December 9th rejection of the results.

Meanwhile, the diplomats have also jointly written to congratulate President-elect Barrow on his election victory.

Diplomatic sources confirmed the authenticity of the letter and coalition sources confirmed receipt of it.

In the letter, the diplomats wrote: “It is with honour that we the Ambassadors of The Gambia representing our country overseas, extend our congratulations and best wishes to Your Excellency, following your victory in the December 1st Presidential Elections which has been described as transparent, free, fair and credible by both local and international election observers.

“Your Excellency, the Gambian people have spoken, and your victory is a manifestation of their trust and confidence that we must all acknowledge and accept as “voxpopuli, vox Dei” (the voice of the people is the voice of God).

“To the international community, the peaceful and democratic elections, which is the precursor to your presidency, has been received with euphoria and hope for political and economic partnerships.  As patriotic servants of the Gambia, it is our pledge and desire to contribute our quota to the expansion and consolidation of meaningful international dialogue and cooperation for the benefit of the Gambia.

“In addition, we seize this opportunity to assure your Excellency and the coalition of our support and collaboration. We pray to Allah the Almighty to grant Your Excellency and team the guidance and wisdom to fulfill the duties and responsibilities bestowed on you by your election to the highest office in the land.

“May Almighty Allah continue to grant Your Excellency and the Gambian Nation continuous good health, long life, peace, greater protection, prosperity and success.”