Senegalese troops enter The Gambia in support of new President Barrow

People in Banjul, The Gambia celebrate the inauguration of Adama Barrow as the country's president on January 19, 2017. PHOTO | AFP

What you need to know:

  • Barrow was sworn in at The Gambia's embassy in Dakar.

  • Longtime leader Yahya Jammeh has refused to step down despite international pressure following his December election loss.

DAKAR/BANJUL, Thursday

Senegalese troops entered The Gambia on Thursday in support of its new President Adama Barrow, who took office demanding loyalty from his own armed forces in a tense standoff with his defeated rival.

Barrow was sworn in at The Gambia's embassy in Dakar, Senegal, although longtime leader Yahya Jammeh has refused to step down despite international pressure following his election loss in December.