U.N. Chief Urges Probe of Gambia Coup Plot

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday called for an investigation of an attempted coup to oust Gambia's President Yahya Jammeh as the Security Council met to discuss the turmoil.

Jammeh returned home to Banjul overnight after the failed bid to overthrow him while he was on a visit to Dubai as fears mounted of possible reprisals by his regime.

Ban urged the government, security and defense forces in Banjul to "act in full respect of human rights."

"Noting the seriousness of any attempt to overthrow governments by force, the Secretary General encourages the establishment of a transparent investigation into the events of December 30, in compliance with due process and respect for rule of law," said a statement from Ban's spokesman.

A group of heavily armed men led by an army deserter attacked the presidential palace in Banjul before dawn on Tuesday, but were repelled by Jammeh's forces.

The Security Council met Wednesday behind closed doors to discuss the situation in Gambia, at the request of Chad, which holds this month's presidency of the 15-member body.