The Senegalese troops have reportedly entered The Gambia in protection of the just sworn-in Adama Barrow as the president of the country, the BBC has reported.

The soldiers have also launched strikes against Gambia in a move to force out the sit-tight Yahya Jammeh, who has refused to vacate the presidential seat after 22 years in office.

The African Union and the ECOWAS earlier mobilised to force Jammeh out of office in the face of heightened tension.

Reuters also quoted Colonel Abdou Ndiaye of Senegal’s army as confirming that an ECOWAS regional force has begun strikes in an operation code-named: ‘Restore Democracy’.

Though there were no details, Ndiaye said significant land, air and sea resources had been made available.

The BBC also reported that Barrow has called on soldiers of the country to show their loyalty to him to ensure a peaceful transition of power.

He said this as he took an oath of office in neighbouring Senegal.

The United Nations (UN) Security Council also voted on Thursday, January 19, unanimously backed the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) efforts to force the incumbent Gambia leader to hand over power.

Meanwhile, Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state has revealed that the refusal of president-elect of the US, Donald Trump, to invite President Muhammadu Buhari to his swearing -in ceremony on Friday, January 20 is deliberate.

While Jammeh is in the heat making sure he is protected by his country’s soldiers, the Gambian Chief of Defence Staff, Ousman Badjie was seen jubilating with Barro’s supporters in the country.