Ecowas sets good example of democracy

As the world turned its attention to the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, an interesting script was unfolding in Africa.

As the superpower kept its valued tradition by swearing in the new President, close home Gambia was staring at a possible strife.

Ex-president Yahya Jahmeh had indicated that despite all the negotiations, he was not willing to quit office. Interestingly, Mr Jahmeh, a former army officer, had earlier conceded defeat to Adama Barrow only for him to change his mind.

Although the Economic Community of Western African Countries (Ecowas) intervened through dialogue to have Jahmeh leave office, it became apparent that he was not willing to respect the people's will.

In his own words, only God knew when he was to leave office. This is why as the clock ticked to the date of exiting office; all eyes were trained on this small Western Africa state.

Coming on a day when President Barrack Obama was leaving office and handing over to a democratically elected President, it was a big test for African democracy.

Fortunately, Ecowas provided the much-needed relief to the situation that was threatening to claw back the democratic gains made in Gambia.

However, the most important thing is not the speedy intervention that Ecowas showed but how it set the best example for the rest of Africa.

The bloc has firmly established itself as not just an exclusive club of member states but a serious dictator of democratic values, institutions and traditions.

Despite its past failures, compared to other African regional blocs, it has never relented on cherishing democracy. Two, it went out to show it is not business as usual when a member state refuses to apply herself to the verdict of the people.