Gambian President Yahya Jammeh is refusing to step down despite the threat of military intervention by neighbouring states.
Adama Barrow, who beat him in elections last month, is due to be inaugurated as the new president on Thursday, but Mr. Jammeh has ignored the deadline.
West African military forces are ready to enforce a transfer of power.
Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz failed to break the deadlock at last-minute talks with Jammeh.
Mr. Abdel Aziz flew in to the Gambian capital Banjul on Wednesday evening to meet Jammeh before flying on to Dakar airport for further discussions with Barrow and Senegal’s President Macky Sall.
“I am now less pessimistic [that Mr. Jammeh] will work on a peaceful solution that is in the best interest for everyone,” Mr. Abdel Aziz said.
Senegalese troops remain stationed at the Gambian border, despite the deadline for Jammeh to stand down passing at midnight.
The threat of military action is supported by Nigeria and other states in the region.
However, Gambian army chief Ousman Badjie said his troops would not fight Senegalese forces should they enter into the country, AFP news agency reports.
“We are not going to involve ourselves militarily, this is a political dispute,” he said. “I am not going to involve my soldiers in a stupid fight. I love my men.”
Jammeh has ruled The Gambia since taking power in a coup in 1994.
Wednesday was meant to be his last day in office but parliament granted him three more months in the post.
Mr. Barrow, who was said to be preparing to be sworn in as president “on Gambian soil” on Thursday, remains in neighbouring Senegal.
At least 26,000 Gambians, fearful that violence could erupt, sought refuge in Senegal this week.
Meanwhile, thousands of UK and Dutch tourists continue to be evacuated from the tiny West African state on special charter flights. Gambia is a popular beach destination among European holidaymakers, especially in winter.
- BBC
