The African Union announced it will cease to recognize Jammeh as Gambia's legitimate leader as of Thursday, when his mandate expires. As the international community looks for a peaceful way out of the crisis in the West African nation, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has been authorized to offer Jammeh asylum, if necessary, during Friday's visit. But the West African regional bloc also has a military force on standby to intervene if Jammeh does not step down. President-elect Adama Barrow has renewed his offer to talk with Jammeh, telling the BBC that "I'll be very willing to talk to him directly." Jammeh might be wary of a Nigerian promise of safe haven.

Source: ABC News January 13, 2017 09:12 UTC