Gambian police have clashed with protesters who are demanding the exit of President Adama Barrow.
Tear gas was fired at the protesters by the police after the protesters attempted to divert from approved routes for the protest march.
Scores of protesters are reported to have sustained injuries and were rushed to health facilities for treatment.
Police are reportedly trying to contain Sunday’s protest march which was to pile pressure on President Barrow to resign from office.
Some of the protesters were also reported to have burnt tyres, creating a chaotic scene in the capital Banjul.
The Police command has now said in a statement that permit for the protest march has been canceled, advising people to stay away from the street.
The public notice said “Following the violation of conditions of the permit issued to the ‘Operation 3 Years Jotna Movement’ and protesters turning violent, the Office of the Inspector General of Police hereby informs the public that the permit is cancelled.”
It added that “by this notice, individuals at the protest venue are advised to disperse peacefully. Equally, other individuals who may wish to join the protest are advised to stay home until the situation is put under control.”
#Gambja 3YearsJotna movt hold 2nd protest since am. Protest turns violent w/police firing teargas & protesters burning tires. Protesters reportedly attempting to deviate from itinerary to head to Banjul. They want exPresi to keep campaign promise to leave power aftr 3yrs.#kebetu pic.twitter.com/LdivgDcOrT
— Aisha Dabo™ (@mashanubian) January 26, 2020
Demand for Barrow’s exit
The demand for Barrow’s resignation is in fulfilment of a promise he made during his campaign in 2016 to cease power after 3 years in a transitional government.
Barrow promised to step aside after three years should the coalition win the 2016 elections, but he is bent on continuing and further seeking re-election in 2021.
Leaders of the group called operation ‘3 year Jotna’ movement, which is leading these protests say they are to hold the government and all politicians accountable.
Yankuba Darboe one of the leaders of the ‘3 years Jotna’ Movement told Africa Feeds that the government is turning brutal against its citizens.
Before the protest began in the morning Ebrima Mamburay, a member of the movement said “we don’t need Adama Barrow and his government, he betrayed us and we are not going home if he doesn’t step down.”
Gambians have been talking on social media about the latest use of excessive force on protesters by the police.
I strongly condemn the police’s excessive use of force against the #3yrsJotna peaceful protesters. I urge all sides to show maximum restraint. #NeverAgain #Gambia #Africa
— Ebou Bojang ?? (@ebou) January 26, 2020
The capital city Banjul where the President and his family resides is currently locked down..No cars are allowed to go in or out of the city. pic.twitter.com/N02YZnYh7r
— Fatu Camara (@Fatushow) January 26, 2020
President Adama Barrow has already said he won’t resign from office as he registers a new political party to seek re-election.
Last year President Barrow said he was convinced that Gambians wanted him to form his political party as pressure mounts on him to resign from the coalition party that brought him to power.
Source: Africafeeds.com
