hear his concerns to mediate an agreement, and implore him for the sake of his country to stand down.
The UN/AU/ECOWAS were united in recognizing the legitimacy of Barrow’s election as the will of the
Gambian people, and the international community prioritized the pursuit of peaceful political solutions.
2) In future such crises, consider trade-offs in the offers of amnesty/asylum and a dignified exit for former
leaders/dictators. This may prevent bloodshed or the sparks/continuance of armed conflict. However,
this offer of asylum must be balanced with the need for justice and accountability with human rights
violations that may have been committed under the leadership of such a former dictator.
3) Ensure that gains from preventive diplomacy are solidified by measures to sustain peace and strengthen
institutions. The international community (including the UN Peacebuilding Commission) should continue
to support The Gambia as it seeks to address ongoing development challenges and sustainable peace.
Implications.
Lack of unified political resolve among international/regional leaders may perpetuate or spark further
violence in a nation experiencing a constitutional crisis. This can be seen in the current and ongoing
situation in Burundi. When Burundi’s President Nkurunziza decided to run for a 3 rd term in 2015, despite
stipulations in the Arusha Peace Agreement limiting presidents to two terms in office (he claimed that his
first term did not count towards this limit), unrest broke out in Burundi. However, there was a lack of
clear resolve by the UN, AU, and regional organizations and leaders to address this constitutional
crisis. Political violence escalated against civilians, and yet regional organizations remained hesitant to
intervene. The African Union decided against sending peacekeepers to Burundi in January 2016, and
though the UN Security Council authorized a police force in July 2016 to monitor the security situation, it
was not implemented due to opposition from Burundian authorities. The violence in Burundi continues
to this day with extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, sexual violence, torture, serious human
rights violations, and warning signs of genocide. Thousands have been forced to flee.
“A related reason why West Africa’s leaders were united against Jammeh was the increased democratization the region had
experienced over the past decade. Unlike in East Africa, for instance, when regional leaders did not strongly criticize Burundi’s
President Pierre Nkurunziza’s decision to stand for a