The West African regional bloc, Ecowas, has extended the stay of Ecomig forces in The Gambia until 2021. 

Speaking at the 57th ECOWAS Summit in Niamey, Niger, President Barrow requested for the extension of Ecomig forces citing security sector reform still ongoing in post Jammeh Gambia. 

“Given the reforms underway and the need to protect the fragile democracy in The Gambia, I avail myself this privilege to request for the extension of the mandate of ECOMIG in The Gambia.

“It should be noted that our Security Sector Reform is at an advanced stage and, for the first time, an audit exercise has been conducted in the army and a policy developed,” the president said. 

“The reform process remains sensitive, noting that the previous government had moulded the security apparatus of the country to serve as a repressive mechanism.

“As such, a range of uncertainties, including right sizing and profiling the Armed Forces, matters of disarmament and demobilisation of troops remain complicated matters to address.”

President Barrow added: As the reform process is ongoing, Government and its partners need to work with caution in order to complete the process successfully.

“For these reasons, the presence of ECOMIG in the country will be a stabilising factor, while providing, at the same time, the required capacity building support for the viable implementation of the sector reforms.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba