RTS Copyright: RTS

Adama Barrow, sworn in as president of The Gambia at a ceremony in Senegal, has used his first speech in office to call on the Gambian security forces to "remain loyal to the constitution" and stay in their barracks.

Soldiers found outside with firearms would be considered rebels, he said.

"From today on I am the president of The Gambia regardless of whether you voted for me or not," he said.

Mr Barrow added that his election was an opportunity for Gambians to "effect change that has been in the making for decades" and pledged "liberty and prosperity for everyone" regardless of ethnicity or gender.

He also vowed constitutional and legal reforms and said his election was the start of a meritocratic Gambia where "what you know" will be count for more than "who you know".

Mr Barrow took the oath of office with the backing of foreign governments, despite the fact that Yahya Jammeh has refused give up power in The Gambia.