Pretoria - Adama Barrow has been sworn in as the President of Gambian at the Gambian embassy in Dakar, the capital of Senegal.
Barrow -- who officially became the third Head of State of his country after Dawda Jawara (1970-1994), and Yahya Jammah, in power since 1994 -- was sworn in, in front of Sheriff Tambedou, the President of the Gambia Bar.
Senegalese Prime Minister Mahammed Dionne, foreign ambassadors to Senegal and officials from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) attended the ceremony.
In his first presidential speech, President Barrow called for national unity.
"Thanks to the citizens of The Gambia, this is the first time that The Gambia changes its government through elections," Barrow said.
He called on Jammeh to respect the Constitution of The Gambia, confirming that "he will soon form his government and return to The Gambia”.
"We want peace, and we invite everyone to cultivate peace," Barrow said.
A candidate of the coalition of seven opposition parties, Barrow, staying in Dakar since Saturday, was declared the winner of the presidential election in December by the Independent Electoral Commission.
Jammeh, in power since a 1994 coup, initially conceded defeat to Barrow before back-tracking, saying the vote was flawed. He has refused to cede power despite the steps taken by the Heads of State of the ECOWAS.
On Wednesday, a few hours before the end of Jammeh's official mandate, the National Assembly of The Gambia passed a resolution to extend his mandate by three months, exactly the period of time of a state of emergency declared by Jammeh on Tuesday.
The UN Security Council on Thursday adopted a resolution, asking Jammeh to transfer power to President Adama Barrow by today.
On Thursday evening, regional military forces backed by the UN, launched an intervention effort, dubbed Operation Restore Democracy, shortly after the swearing in ceremony.
Jammeh has been given until noon on Friday to leave office. - SAnews.gov.za-Xinhua
