5. Decides, in line with Articles 24 and 25 of the AU Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, as well as Article 7 (m) of the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council, to take the following steps with a view to ensuring respect for the will of the Gambian people: i) Solemnly declares the inviolable nature of the outcome of the presidential elections held on 1 December 2016 in The Gambia. In this respect, Council strongly reaffirms the AU’s zero tolerance policy with regard to coup d’état and unconstitutional changes of government in Africa; ii) Further Declares that, as of 19 January 2017, outgoing President Yahya Jammeh will cease to be recognized by the AU as legitimate President of the Republic of The Gambia; iii) Warns outgoing President Yahya Jammeh of serious consequences in the event that his action causes any crisis that could lead to political disorder, humanitarian and human rights disaster, including loss of innocent lives and destruction of properties; 6. Stresses the need for the outgoing President Yahya Jammeh and his Government to refrain from any action that could undermine the process leading up to the swearing in of the president-elect, on 19 January 2017. Reiterates its call to the Gambian stakeholders, including the defense and security forces, to exercise utmost restraint and to strictly abide by the Constitution and uphold the rule of law, including the respect for the freedom of speech. Council stresses the duty and obligation of the defense and security forces to place themselves at the disposal of the democratically elected authorities of their country; 7. Further stresses the importance of a common and unequivocal message and continued coordination of efforts within the international community, in support to ECOWAS endeavours in The Gambia; 8. Expresses its appreciation to the Chairperson of the Union, as well as to the Chairperson of the Commission, for their initiatives and efforts aimed at supporting those of ECOWAS and countries of the region to urgently find a way for a speedy and peaceful transfer of power in The Gambia; 9. Looks forward with keen interest to the outcome of the visit to The Gambia, today, 13 January 2017, by the ECOWAS Mediation, with the participation of the AU and the UN; 10. Agrees to meet, as soon as possible, to assess the post-electoral situation in The Gambia and take appropriate decisions as may be deemed necessary; 11. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.