GAMBIA: GOV’T CALLS FOR CALM AHEAD OF MONDAY’S DEMONSTRATIONS

By Bakary Ceesay 

In the wake of intensifying and sometimes very provocative and ominous messages trending on social media regarding Monday’s authorized peaceful procession, The Gambia Government hereby assures citizens and all residents that their security and safety is guaranteed and cannot be compromised. All are therefore,  urged to go about their normal business routines.  

In a press release signed by Ebrima G. Sankareh, spokesperson the Gambia Government indicated that school authorities are reminded that Monday is not a public holiday and all schools should be fully operational as well as all Government offices and institutions. 

Businesses, market vendors and women who have been experiencing panic buying due to the barrage of false information being bandied around on social media are urged not to be intimidated and to open their businesses to the public as this country remains very peaceful, safe and secure.

The Gambia Government wishes to reiterate that ‘Operation 3 Years Jotna’s’ was issued a Peaceful Procession Permit and their permit is valid from 10:00AM to 2:00PM, from Sting Corner to some 200 Metres before the Denton Bridge. 

Motorists plying the Banjul—Serekunda Highway are urged to maintain the left shoulder-lane leading to Banjul as the Jotna Movement is exclusively assigned the right shoulder lane by the mangroves.

Any demonstrations outside of the assigned jurisdiction is a serious violation of the law and those who choose to violate the law will face severe consequences. 

Equally, members of the public are urged to allow the peaceful procession to move on smoothly without let or hinderance and anyone who interferes with the peaceful procession will be committing an offense also, punishable under the law. 

Accordingly, The Gambia Government hereby solicits the cooperation of all citizens and residents to maintain calm for the maintenance of the peace and security of the country. 

Beginning tonight, members of the public will notice increased security patrols around the country to ensure that everybody is safe and secure. All are strongly advised to cooperate fully with the patrol teams.

Finally, contrary to wild-spread and  malicious allegations calculated to undermine the image of President Adama Barrow and his Government, members of the public, the Diplomatic and Consular Corps are assured that that this Government respects the sanctity of life as well as the fundamental rights of all citizens and recognizes their right to peaceful Procession, Assembly and Association as enshrined in our Constitution.