The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has condemned the attempted but foiled coup d’état in the Gambia on Wednesday, reiterating ECOWAS’ rejection of an unconstitutional change of government.

The ECOWAS Commission, in a statement, described the coup attempt as shocking, stating that it was solidly behind the democratically-elected government of the Gambia. 

It commended the leadership and personnel of the Gambia security services for foiling the plot.

“ECOWAS Commission strongly condemns the attempt to overthrow the democratically-elected government of the Gambia and underscores ECOWAS’ total rejection of all unconstitutional change of government in any member state.

“ECOWAS Commission salutes the leadership and personnel of the Gambia security services for their adherence to their constitutional role and for foiling this illegal plot.

“ECOWAS Commission stands firmly by the democratically-elected government of the Gambia and once again reiterates its total condemnation of the attempted coup plot,” the statement partly read.

A statement from the Gambian government on Thursday disclosed that the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) High Command, in a swift military operation conducted on Wednesday, arrested four soldiers linked to the alleged coup plot.

According to the statement, the arrested soldiers are helping the military police with their investigations.

“Those arrested are Lance Corporal Sanna Fadera from the Gambia Navy as the alleged ringleader of the plot; Corporal Mbarra Touray from 1st Infantry Battalion, Yundum Barracks; Corporal Ebrahima Sanno from the Military Police, who is currently on study leave, and Sergeant Gibril Darboe from The Gambia Navy.

“Meanwhile, the soldiers allegedly involved in the plot, either being pursued or on the run, are Corporal Njie B from the State Guards Battalion, Warrant Officer Class 2 Jadama from The Gambia Navy, and one Badjie from The Gambia Navy.

“First names of Jadama and Badjie are yet to be established.

“Investigations into this matter are continuing, and members of the public would be accordingly informed of any developments as the situation unfolds,” the government said.

The government further urged diplomats and citizens to go ahead with their daily activities.

ECOWAS presidents, in the just-concluded 62nd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government on December 5 in Abuja, reiterated their commitment to preventing every form of unconstitutional change of government.

They pledged to address likely root causes of unconstitutional change of government in the region, especially the tenure elongation of democratically-elected presidents. 

(NAN)