President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia has said he would not step down, stating that he would resist any attempt to force him out of power.

He said this while addressing members of the Africa Bar Association in The Gambia.

Jammeh described his meeting with west African leaders led by Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia as a mere formality.

He said, “Let them enforce it today and see. What are they waiting for? I am a man of peace but that does not mean that I will not defend my country…courageously, patriotically and win.”

“I am not a coward. My right cannot be intimidated and violated. This is my position. Nobody can deprive me of that victory except the Almighty Allah.

“Already the ECOWAS meeting was a formality. Before they came, they had already said Jammeh must step down. I will not step down,” he added.

Jammeh had lost his reflection bid to opposition, Adama Barrow in December 1.

He had called Barrow to concede defeat after the results were released but reversed his decision, a week later.

ECOWAS leaders, including President Muhammadu Buhari had visited Jammeh to prevail on him to step down.

Azeez