Outgoing
President Yahya Jammeh, in a televised telephone call heard on state TV,
congratulated president-elect Adama Barrow for his victory.
Both
leaders exchanged pleasantries emphasising their desire to ensure a smooth
transition of power.
“I
hereby take this opportunity to congratulate President-elect Mr Adama Barrow,
for his victory. It is a clear victory because our system says a simple
majority,” outgoing President Jammeh said, in his broadcast address to the
nation, after the declaration of the election result.
“I
wish him all the best and I wish all Gambians the best. As a true Muslim, who believes in Almighty
Allah, I will never question Allah’s decision.
“I
came on a Friday on 22nd in the month of July 1994; today is Friday the 2nd of
December 2016, you Gambians have decided that I should take the back seat; you
have voted for somebody to lead our country and I wish you all the best.”
Speaking
directly to Barrow on mobile phone before he addressed the nation, Jammeh said:
“I am calling you to wish you all the best; the Gambian people have spoken, and
I accept the will of the Almighty Allah.
“I
wish you all the best; the country will be in your hands in January, and you
are assured of my guidance towards the transition, but you have to work with me
as I pack to go to Kanilai after I have handed over the State House to you.
“You
are the elected President of The Gambia and I wish you all the best. I have no
ill will. Please ensure peace and stability, because without peace and
stability – let me make it clear – you cannot make it anywhere in Africa. So I
wish you all the best.”
Mr
Barrow, in his remarks, said his victory signifies hope, and a new era for The
Gambia.
“I
am humbled by the massive support showed by Gambians,” he said.
Barrow
registered his profound gratitude and support from Gambians for the historic
victory, and promised to work hard to curtail unemployment and revitalise the
economy.
“I
congratulate every Gambian for the historic change, and I promise to work on
the country’s stagnant economy and unemployment,” he said.
He
also promised to foster and restore good relations and mutual ties with the
international community, as he respects human rights and works with the press.
Barrow
is expected to meet outgoing president Yahya Jammeh on Tuesday 6 December 2016
at State House in Banjul.
