Intervention in The Gambia may prove unique

Significance

For over a month, Jammeh rebuffed diplomatic efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to accept Adama Barrow's victory in the December 1 presidential poll. An ECOWAS military intervention into The Gambia -- accompanied by last-minute diplomatic efforts and purported financial and security guarantees -- finally forced Jammeh to accept defeat.

Impacts

• A truth commission offering amnesty for military officials and the outgoing government could prompt discord within the new ruling alliance.
• Military restructuring will be a priority for Barrow's government.
• International assistance will likely flow in support of the new president.
• The Gambia's tourism sector -- which makes up nearly 20% of the country's GDP -- will struggle to recover in the short-term.
• The ECOWAS intervention could prove unpopular among members' domestic constituencies if a lengthy, costly mission emerges.