Gambia: Exiled elections chief fled to Senegal with other staff

The now exiled president of the Gambian Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Alieu Momar Njie, fled to neighboring Senegal for fear for his safety, a family member has confirmed to AFP.

Even though no comments have been obtained from Senegalese sources, efforts to reach other members of the IEC proved unsuccessful. News of his slip into exile was reported by local media late on Monday evening.

“Alieu Momar Njie fled to Senegal after learning that the Gambian authorities were plotting against him and his team,” the family member said on condition of anonymity. “Some members of his team also left for Senegal,” he added, declining any further comments.

It was unknown when Mr. Njie left the Gambia, with whom, as well as the nature of the threats against him.

According to observers, this move to Senegal by the former elections chief could constitute a bone of contention between the two countries, whose relations have always been complicated. With the exception of a frontage on the Atlantic, the Gambia, former British colony, is totally enclaved in Senegal’s boundaries.

The announcement comes as the Gambia is plunged into a political deadlock after the December 1 presidential election.

The ballot was officially won by the opponent Adama Barrow who beat incumbent Yahya Jammeh, who had ruled since taking power in a bloodless coup in 1994.