Adama Barrow has taken the relay baton as president of the Gambia after being sworn-in on home soil as the country celebrates 52 years of Independence.
Gambia: Adama Barrow sworn-in
Barrow had earlier taken the oath of office at Gambia’s embassy in neighbouring Senegal in January.
Today’s oath was taken with Chief Justice Hassan Boubacar Jallow appointed three days ago. Jallow was a United Nations prosecutor.
“I Adama Barrow do swear I will not directly or indirectly reveal such matters as may be committed to my citizens, so help me God,” the incoming president said.
The ceremony took place in the presence of Heads of State of the sub region with the remarkable presence of Senegalese president Macky Sall who played a crucial role in ensuring that Barrow takes over command as deserved. Gambians are so proud of the change.
“We feel happy because he is our elected president. We also feel happy to come and celebrate this day as our Independence Day. A day that we have been missing such a long time. So today we are very happy of course to come under our own umbrella, which is the Gambian Crafting Federation and also to come and say thank you to Mr Barrow who is our president, “ Gambian resident, Papmodu Mbaye said.
Adama Barrow takes over from Yahya Jammeh who was forced by international pressure and military intervention threats to fly into exile in Equatorial Guinea.
International monetary support is being pledged to Gambia with the EU promising a package of about 80 million dollars.