Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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689. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the fact that the current President of The Gambia, Yahya Jammeh, is refusing to accept defeat in recent elections and step down; his further views on the fact that there is reportedly an increased military presence in Banjul; and if he will join the calls for Mr. Jammeh to accept the result of the democratic elections and step down. [41242/16]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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I share the concern about the current situation in the Gambia, and the statements by President Jammeh suggesting that he does not accept the result of the democratic elections held in December. I fully support the statement on behalf of the EU High Representative last month calling on the President to respect the will of the Gambian people as expressed in the election result. I am also concerned by the recent closure of a number of independent radio stations in the country.

I welcome the efforts of international organisations, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union and the United Nations, to find a solution to the present difficulties. In particular, I commend the continued engagement of ECOWAS leaders, and hope that this will lead to a smooth and peaceful transition of power in Gambia.