How did Yahya Jammeh’s refusal to accept the 2016 election result end?

Yahya Jammeh’s refusal to accept the 2016 election results ended following a combination of international diplomatic pressure and the threat of military intervention. After initially conceding, Jammeh rejected the results and declared a state of emergency as his term neared its end. In response, Adama Barrow was sworn in as president in neighboring Senegal on January 19, 2017, while troops from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) crossed into The Gambia to enforce the democratic outcome.1

The military advance was temporarily halted to allow for final mediation efforts, which successfully convinced Jammeh to step down. He departed the country on January 21, 2017, allowing ECOWAS forces to secure the capital and facilitating Barrow’s return to The Gambia on January 26. Following Jammeh's departure, the National Assembly revoked the extension of his term and ended the state of emergency, marking the conclusion of the political standoff.12