Outgoing Gambian President Yahya Jammeh has declared a 90-day state of emergency a day before his official mandate ends, state TV reports.
Jammeh, who lost the presidential election to his opponent, Adama Barrow last month, cited foreign interference for the action.
Regional leaders have been trying to persuade Jammeh to hand over power to Barrow, who defeated him in December’s elections.
The move comes after Nigeria deployed a warship to further pressure Jammeh.
Regional bloc ECOWAS has prepared a force but maintains that military intervention would be a last resort.
The exact terms of the state of emergency remain unknown, as no details were provided with the announcement.
Mr Barrow is meant to be inaugurated as the new president on Thursday.
