#BBB NEWS| U.S. State Department Warns Citizens To Leave The Gambia

The United States has warned its citizens against visiting the tourist destination of Gambia while urging those already in Gambia to leave. (pictured above) U.S. President Barack Obama meets Gambian President Yahya Jammeh in Washington, DC Photo Credit: White House

It told those there to consider leaving the country, citing the risk of unrest as President Yahya Jammeh digs in despite losing the election of 1 December.

“The US Department of State warns US citizens against travel to The Gambia because of the potential for civil unrest and violence in the near future,” the statement said.

It said the supreme court hearing on Jan. 10 of Jammeh’s challenge to the result that elected his rival Adama Barrow was a potential flashpoint for violence.

#BBB NEWS| United States Offers Niger Surveillance Planes As Boko Haram Attacks Continue

The United States offered Niger two military surveillance planes Wednesday as attacks by suspected Boko Haram extremists continued in the country’s south-east region bordering Nigeria.

Two Niger soldiers were killed and several injured Wednesday in a foiled suicide attack by suspected Boko Haram fighters, Defence Minister Mahamadou Karidjo said.

Karidjo spoke as he took possession of two Cessna C-208 planes equipped with intelligence and reconnaissance systems, as well as around 30 military vehicles and ambulances. A US official said the aid was worth around 32 million euros.

The aircraft “will enable Niger’s armed forces to identify local threats and better secure the border,” said US Ambassador Eunice Reddick.