Botswana says it does not recognize Gambia’s Jammeh

JOHANNESBURG – African nations have begun stepping away from Gambia’s longtime leader, who has refused to accept defeat in a December election.

Botswana said Thursday it does not recognize Yahya Jammeh as Gambia’s president. It made the announcement in a Facebook post as Jammeh’s mandate expired.

Jammeh has said he will not accept the election results because of alleged irregularities.

Botswana says Jammeh’s refusal to hand power to President-elect Adama Barrow, who plans to be sworn into office Thursday in neighbouring Senegal, “undermines the ongoing efforts to consolidate democracy and good governance” in Gambia and Africa in general.

The African Union earlier announced that the continental body would no longer recognize Jammeh once his mandate expired.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles