Mali’s president has become the latest leader to urge Yahya Jammeh to leave office in The Gambia and avert a bloodbath in the nation.
Speaking at the Africa-France summit in Bamako, Ibrahim Keita called for “proverbial African wisdom” to prevail.
Adama Barrow, who beat Mr Jammeh in last month’s election, attended and was referred to as the president.
Regional bloc Ecowas wants the UN to approve military action if his inauguration on Thursday is blocked.
It has tried repeatedly to persuade the long-time leader to leave voluntarily amid growing fears that the uncertainty could cause a refugee exodus.
Thousands of Gambians, mostly women and children, have already crossed the border into neighbouring Senegal and further afield to Guinea-Bissau, where they do not require a visa, officials say.
“We laid down our fort. We have, by common accord, received President Barrow here, which is a de facto recognition, and on the 19th, I dare to hope that proverbial African wisdom will inspire our brother Yahya,” said Mr Keita.
French President Francois Hollande, who met Mr Barrow at the summit, said the Gambian election result had to be respected.
“You have seen that the president-elect was welcomed at this summit and everything must be done so that on January 18, or on January 19, he is able to effectively take up his new role,” he said.
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