The Gambian President Adama Barrow has sent a congratulatory message to the Senegalese president elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

Mr Diomaye Faye won 56% of Senegal’s presidential election result leaving the ruling party’s candidate Amadou Ba trail behind with 32% of the votes. Ba, who was the former PM and the ruling party’s candidate, has conceded defeat and congratulated Mr Faye.

Barrow said in a statement: “I congratulate Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Faye for a victorious election and commend the people of the Republic of Senegal for the peaceful conduct of the presidential election.

“I am optimistic that the cordial relationship between The Gambia and Senegal will be further strengthened and enhanced under the leadership of president-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba