Thousands leave Gambia capital as crisis goes on

(18 Jan 2017) People continued to leave Gambia's capital, Banjul, on Tuesday as the country's political crisis worsened.
Thousands made their way to the city of Barra, across the mouth of the River Gambie, planning to cross into neighbouring Senegal from there.
The exodus continued as President Yahya Jammeh declared a state of emergency.
Tuesday's announcement came just two days before Jammeh is supposed to cede power after losing last month's elections.
The longtime leader is refusing to step down despite international pressure and the threat of a military intervention by other West African nations.
President-elect Adama Barrow, who ousted Jammeh in the election, is vowing to take power on Thursday despite Jammeh's refusal to leave.
Barrow is currently in Senegal, and the regional bloc, ECOWAS (Economic Community Of West African States), has urged him to stay there for his safety until the inauguration.


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