The deployment of troops to The Gambia by ECOWAS to remove President Yahya Jammeh from office is not the best option given the devastating effects a possible war could bring about, security analyst Irbard Ibrahim has suggested.
A security intervention in The Gambia by the regional body looks likely following President Jammeh’s refusal to accept defeat in the country’s last presidential elections.
Opposition leader Adama Barrow, who won the 1 December, 2016 election in that country, is currently in Senegal under protection as ECOWAS troops have moved into The Gambia to force Mr Jammeh out of office as his term elapses today, Thursday 19 January.
The country’s parliament voted for an extension of 90 days for him in office until the election dispute is resolved, but ECOWAS leaders who failed in their quest to get Mr Jammeh to step down feel it is time for military intervention.
However, Mr Ibrahim does not subscribe to a military solution to the situation in the West African country. He told Moro Awudu on Class FM’s Executive Breakfast Show on Thursday, January 19: “I don’t support such military intervention. A war may last for a week, a day or an hour, but its repercussions will tarry on for a long time. Let us go the full stretch and use diplomacy.”
He wondered why ECOWAS was so interested in military intervention, explaining that waiting for 90 days to have the dispute resolved amicably and diplomatically would be a better option.
“ECOWAS cannot even fund itself. Why is it so enthusiastic about an expeditious incursion into a sister West African country? Whose interest does it serve? Is Jammeh being victimised because he is anti-imperialism?
He explained that an invasion could be exploited by terrorists and other militants to pursue their interests, which will be detrimental to the whole West African bloc.
Meanwhile, Mr Barrow’s investiture will be held in Dakar, capital of neighbouring Senegal.
Source: Classfmonline
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What is this small boy saying? Massa keep quiet and let the big brains talk.
We have history to guide us. Anytime such ***barred word*** has been left a window to settle down, it had led to greater destruction and devastation. Kill the seed before it grows Mr Irbard!!!
Simple fact is Jammeh sitting tight when his people say he should go, they have no confidence in him is what is wrong. There is no anti-imperialism in your people saying get the F out in a democracy. And when they say it, you better listen and listen very, very well and comply quickly. You don't, that is what is wrong and it will be rectified.
Irbard you are wrong and out of point on this when A sitting President defeated is choosing to misbehave you want us to use kid gloves. Why did we created the military and all the funds put up for military training. That is the language he understands so we must offer that for him to known power resides with people and they choose anyone and have rejected YAYHA JAMEEH .
Look at this ***barred word*** boy!!!