Gambia sets February 18 for inauguration of President Barrow

Gambia's new president Adama Barrow waves to supporters as he leaves the airport in Banjul on January 26, 2017, after returning from Senegal. Jubilant Gambians on Janauary 26 welcomed home their new President Adama Barrow, who was elected almost two months ago but forced to flee to Senegal when his predecessor refused to step aside. Dressed in flowing white robes and cap, Barrow stepped off the plane, with heavily-armed troops from Senegal and Nigeria standing by as he flew in from Dakar where he had taken shelter on January 15. / AFP PHOTO / CARL DE SOUZA

BANJUL — Billboards across Gambia’s capital are declaring a Februay 18 ceremony to mark the inauguration of the country’s new leader, a day after his triumphant arrival.

Hundreds of thousands turned out Thursday to greet President Adama Barrow, a week after he took the oath of office in Senegal.

 Meanwhile, West African nations plan to scale back a military force that secured the return to Barrow to take power, the force commander said yesterday.

The mission of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) regional bloc will see “a progressive reduction” in numbers, Senegalese General Francois Ndiaye said in a statement a day after the newly elected leader flew back to his homeland. Barrow defeated Yahya Jammeh at the polls in December.