Gambian president-elect Adama Barrow poses for a photo after an exclusive interview with Reuters in Banjul, Gambia, on December 12, 2016. Photo: Reuters

Adama Barrow has been sworn in as The Gambia’s new president at the country’s embassy in Senegal.

His investiture which took place Thursday afternoon was graced by diplomats and officials of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

African leaders recognize Barrow as the leader of The Gambia as long-serving president Yahya Jammeh holds on to power in the country. He lost in a disputed election last year, but refused to step down, alleging fraud.

Ghana’s former leader John Mahama, Nigeria’s Muhamadu Buhari and Ellen Sirleaf Johnson of Liberia failed to convince Jammeh to step down.

ECOWAS has stationed troops from Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal to launch a military operation to oust Jammeh.