NEW President Adama Barrow will arrive in Gambia today, a week after being sworn into office in neighbouring Senegal, officials confirmed yesterday.

Mr Barrow has promised to reverse many of the actions of previous leader Yahya Jammeh after defeating him in December elections, which the ruling party challenged.

Mr Jammeh finally flew into exile over the weekend after 22 years in power, following international pressure.

He has been accused by human rights groups and others of leading a government that suppressed opponents with detentions, beatings and killings.

A West African regional military force that was poised to oust Mr Jammeh if diplomatic talks failed has been providing security in Gambia in anticipation of Mr Barrow’s arrival.

The new President, who feared for his safety, has requested that the force remain in Gambia for six months.

But it is unclear whether heads of state with the 16-member West African bloc known as ECOWAS will approve a deployment of that length.