US supports Senegal military intervention in Gambia

NEW YORK (AA) - The U.S. on Thursday threw its backing behind Senegal's military intervention in Gambia after the latter's incumbent leader refused to cede power to the incoming elected president.

Yahya Jammeh declared a 90-day state of emergency and called for renewed elections, as he vowed not to relinquish his post to Adama Barrow, who was sworn in at the embassy in neighboring Senegal.

"We do support it," State Department spokesman John Kirby said. "And we support it because -- and we're in touch with officials in Senegal -- we support it because we understand that the purpose is to help stabilize a tense situation and to try to observe the will of the people of The Gambia."

Kirby said the U.S. would be “watching this very, very closely”.

Jammeh took power in a military coup and has led Gambia for the past 22 years.