PANAPRESS
Panafrican News Agency
Gambia: President Barrow extends mandate of ECOMIG by 3 months
Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - Gambian President Adama Barrow has extended the mandate of the West African States Military Intervention in Gambia (ECOMIG) mission in the country to three months, saying it is subject to renewal.
President Barrow's statement, contained in media release, made available to PANA on Thursday, said that the Gambian leader and government expressed deep appreciation to ECOWAS, the AU and the United Nations for the support provided to The Gambia to ensure that the verdict of the people delivered at the polls on 1 December 2016 is upheld.
According to the statement, the West African States Military Intervention in Gambia (ECOMIG) mission is now mandated to remain in the service of President Adama Barrow, the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of The Gambia, until the necessary conditions for the effective exercise of his power as President of the Republic of The Gambia are met.
PANA reports that the ECOMIG mission was deployed to the tiny West African nation under articles 7, 8 and 9 of the revised ECOWAS treaty to promote good governance and democracy, by using mechanism for conflict prevention, management and resolution, peacekeeping and security.
The statement further said President Barrow noted that ECOMIG has integrated itself into the security and military fabric of the Country.
The statement added that the ECOMIG personnel have blended well with the security sectors of the Gambia and are keenly sharing knowledge and experience in enhancing national unity, peace and stability in the country.
The Gambian leader also said his government is committed to reform the security agency, a constitutionally-established body, because its functions have been abused.
Barrow stated that It has been noted that the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) under the former regime has not limited itself to work within its mandate, but has abused the office and instilled fear among citizens.
He stressed that it is in this light that the government intends to change of the name of the NIA to State Intelligence Service and limit its functions to intelligence gathering, analysis and advice to the relevant arms of government responsible for internal and external security of the country.
“All procedures will be followed to ensure the constitutional amendments to ensure the name change we desire for the people of The Gambia is realized," he said.
-0- PANA MSS/VAO 9Feb2017
President Barrow's statement, contained in media release, made available to PANA on Thursday, said that the Gambian leader and government expressed deep appreciation to ECOWAS, the AU and the United Nations for the support provided to The Gambia to ensure that the verdict of the people delivered at the polls on 1 December 2016 is upheld.
According to the statement, the West African States Military Intervention in Gambia (ECOMIG) mission is now mandated to remain in the service of President Adama Barrow, the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of The Gambia, until the necessary conditions for the effective exercise of his power as President of the Republic of The Gambia are met.
PANA reports that the ECOMIG mission was deployed to the tiny West African nation under articles 7, 8 and 9 of the revised ECOWAS treaty to promote good governance and democracy, by using mechanism for conflict prevention, management and resolution, peacekeeping and security.
The statement further said President Barrow noted that ECOMIG has integrated itself into the security and military fabric of the Country.
The statement added that the ECOMIG personnel have blended well with the security sectors of the Gambia and are keenly sharing knowledge and experience in enhancing national unity, peace and stability in the country.
The Gambian leader also said his government is committed to reform the security agency, a constitutionally-established body, because its functions have been abused.
Barrow stated that It has been noted that the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) under the former regime has not limited itself to work within its mandate, but has abused the office and instilled fear among citizens.
He stressed that it is in this light that the government intends to change of the name of the NIA to State Intelligence Service and limit its functions to intelligence gathering, analysis and advice to the relevant arms of government responsible for internal and external security of the country.
“All procedures will be followed to ensure the constitutional amendments to ensure the name change we desire for the people of The Gambia is realized," he said.
-0- PANA MSS/VAO 9Feb2017
