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Gambian President Yahya Jammeh declared a state of emergency early Tuesday and refused to hand power over to Adama Barrow, who was inaugurated in Senegal on Thursday.

State-run television explained the declaration as a way to prevent a power vacuum while the supreme court rules on Jammeh challenging the results of the election, even though Gambias top judge refused to rule on the petition.

West African leaders have given Jammeh one last opportunity to step down from power before turning to military force. According to BBC News, Jammeh has been given until noon today to step down before the military steps in. Unconfirmed reports suggest that troops from Senegal have already crossed the border in an attempt tosecure cities and towns within Gambia, with the help of Gambian soldiers.

Barrow, who remains in Senegal, says he will not reenter the country until Jammeh is removed or has stepped down.

Many government officials have already stepped down, includingForeign Minister Neneh Macdouall-Gaye, as well as the mayor of Banjul, Gambias capital.

Some Gambians are even fleeing the country, fearing for their lives and safety. Awa Sanneh, 25, from the Gambian town of Birkama, said, [W]e are scared. There are soldiers with guns all the time. Sanneh was leaving with two children and 24 other family members.

This crisis is yet another attempt by President Jammeh to retain power. Being Libertarian previously reportedon Jammehs attempt to influence the election by banning Internet usage and international telephone calls prior to election day last month.

Jammehs refusal to transition power to Barrow highlights the problems of the growing powers of the executive branches of authoritarian governments. Jammehs continued refusal to accept the results of a legitimate election undermines Gambian democracy. Jammeh has interfered with elections, rescinded rights, and silenced political dissenters. His refusal to give up power is just the icing on the cake.

Check back for updates on this developing story in the coming days.

Photo credit: Sylvain Cherkaoui / AP

This post was written by Nicholas Amato.

The views expressed here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect our views and opinions.

Nicholas Amato is the News Editor at Being Libertarian. Hes an undergraduate student at San Jose State University, majoring in political science and minoring in journalism.

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Gambian President Jammeh Refuses to Resign after Barrow Inaugurated - Being Libertarian (blog)