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UN orders Jammeh to step down as president

Adama Barrow, left, accused Mr Jammeh of damaging democracy

Gambian President Yahya Jammeh must hand over power after defeat in elections, The UN Security Council has said.

President Jammeh initially conceded to Adama Barrow in last week’s vote but has since refused to accept the end of his 22-year rule.

Mr Barrow said he was sure the military supported him as the country’s new leader.

The UN added that a handover should come without condition or delay.

President Jammeh initially appeared to concede after results showed he had lost, but on Friday said he “totally” rejected the result.

His statement was condemned by The African Union (AU), who described it as “null and void”.

President Jammeh’s reluctance to accept the result has also been criticised by the US and neighbouring Senegal.

A heavy military presence has been reported in the Gambian capital, Banju, but the streets have remained calm.

The BBC’s West Africa correspondent, Thomas Fessy, says the main question now is whether President Jammeh has managed to split the army, retaining a faction ready to back his announcement.

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