ECOWAS has taken a rear tough decision on December 24 in Abuja, threatening to use legitimate force to oust Ivory Coast’s self-perpetuating president Laurent Gbagbo as all diplomatic means proved futile.
Gbagbo refused to cede power to Mr Ouattara despite losing in 28 November presidential elections and has since then faced international condemnation.
But a statement delivered by secretary general to the government of The Gambia and head of civil service Dr Njogu Bah said his government has strong reservations on the decisions made by ECOWAS heads of state.
Dr Bah said The Gambia does not subscribe to the move because of what he described as adverse consequences, adding that the move amounts interfering in the internal affairs of independent Ivory Coast.
The announcement came as the three West African presidents - Boni Yayi of Benin, Sierra Leone’s Ernest Bai Koroma and Pedro Pires of Cape Verde – announced their safe arrival Abidjan in what was seen as a final chance to persuade Mr Gbagbo to step down peacefully.
BBC quoted the Benin’s President, Boni Yayi, as saying that “all went well”.
The ECOWAS heads of state envoy also held meeting with Mr Ouattara who is in a hotel with his shadow government protected by around 800 UN peacekeepers.
Meanwhile since the election, at least 173 people have died in violence, scores of others tortured and over 15,120 have fled the country, UN says.
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