Adama Barrow

The newly elected President of Gambia was due to take power in early January after defeating longtime dictator Yahya Jammeh in a December election. Jammeh, however, refused to step down until Jan. 21, when a coalition of West African nations threatened military action to force him out. TIME spoke with Barrow hours after his predecessor fled the country:

What does the action against Jammeh mean for Africa?

It is a very good warning to all of the dictators. If you lose an election, you have to go gracefully, or you will be disgraced.

Over 13,000 Gambians went to Europe last year as refugees. How do you persuade others not to join them?

They left Gambia as they could not live in a country bereft of investment or security. We will create jobs with responsible governance. It’s now one Gambia, one nation and one people … and with that, I believe things will change.

Will you prosecute Jammeh, who is accused of stealing millions of dollars from the country?

We will set up a truth and reconciliation commission and will act against him once the commission makes a judgment.

The U.S. gives Gambia at least $3 million a year in foreign aid. Do you worry that aid will dry up under President Trump?

They have rule of law, and aid is part of U.S. foreign policy. I don’t think Trump will affect aid to Gambia.

–TARA JOHN