28 January 2020, Addis Ababa: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in The Gambia and has learnt with concern the recurrent protests, particularly those that took place in Banjul, on 26 January 2020.

The Chairperson recalls the positive developments in the country since the December 2016 presidential elections that opened a new democratic era in the Gambia, with the support of ECOWAS, the AU and the larger international community.The Chairperson underscores the need for sustained peace and stability in The Gambia as a fundamental prerequisite for the consolidation of the current reform processes that will contribute towards socio-economic development in the country. He calls all stakeholders to demonstrate utmost restraint and to continue to foster unity through continuous national dialogue, as the only way to address their current political differences.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission reiterates the full support of the AU Commission to the people and the Government of the Gambia to continue, in coordination with ECOWAS, the democratization process in the country.