Why did ECOWAS send troops into The Gambia in January 2017?

In January 2017, ECOWAS deployed troops into The Gambia to enforce the democratic transition of power following a contested presidential election.1

Although incumbent president Yahya Jammeh initially conceded defeat to Adama Barrow in the December 2016 election, he subsequently rejected the results and refused to step down when his term ended. Despite international condemnation and mediation efforts, Jammeh declared a state of emergency and extended his own presidential term.1

ECOWAS intervened to uphold the will of the Gambian people and ensure the peaceful transfer of power to the internationally recognized winner, Barrow, who was inaugurated in neighboring Senegal. The military pressure successfully compelled Jammeh to step down and leave the country on January 21, 2017, allowing for the restoration of constitutional order.1