Written answers

Tuesday, 24 January 2017

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Foreign Conflicts

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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331. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a state of emergency has been declared in Gambia; the potential implications of this for the inauguration of a new president; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2821/17]

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The declaration of a state of emergency by Gambia’s former President Jammeh and the move by the Gambian Parliament to extend his term by an additional three months were a clear attempt to undermine the integrity of the electoral process and frustrate the will of the Gambian people. They were a cause for serious concern and were rightly condemned by the United Nations Security Council.

Therefore, I welcome the developments in the Gambia over recent days. I am pleased that the former President has now accepted the election results and left the country, allowing for a peaceful transfer of power. This positive outcome is a testament to the value of political dialogue and an indication of the important role played by regional organisations in the peaceful resolution of political crises.

I wish to commend, in particular, the determination of West Africa’s political leaders to persuade former President Jammeh to step down and respect the democratic will of the Gambian people. It is another important step forward for West Africa’s democracies, where the peaceful handover of power is increasingly the norm. I also wish to commend the actions of the Gambian people whose patience and peaceful political engagement contributed in no small measure to the former President’s decision to leave the country.

I join with EU High Representative/Vice-President Frederica Mogherini in wishing President Barrow every success in his new role. Ireland stands ready to work with the European Union in supporting the new administration in the Gambia, in line with the principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, as well as those of sustainable and inclusive development.

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