Gambian officials have dismissed media reports that at least three people died after protesters clashed with police on Sunday in the Gambian capital Banjul.
The protesters were marching on the streets demanding the resignation of President Adama Barrow.
But Gambian police clashed with protesters, firing tear gas at them after they attempted to divert from approved routes for the protest march.
Scores of protesters were reported to have sustained injuries and were rushed to health facilities for treatment.
Kebba Manneh, director of the Serrekunda hospital was quoted by local media to have said “I can confirm that there have been three dead.”
But he has issued a statement denying making such claims.
Denial of death reports
In his statement, Manneh said “the Kanifing General Hospital Management has learnt with dismay that a Foroya news paper reporter has reported on social media alleging that the CEO – Kebba Manneh said there were 3 deaths among the victims of 3yrs jotna demonstration.
I wish to make it categorically clear that the information reported is totally false and misleading. The CEO has not uttered such information to any media personnel and therefore demand immediate correction by Foroya.”
He added in the statement that “I wish to cease this opportunity to commend the gallant staff of the Kanifing General Hospital for their steadfastness in effectively and efficiently responding to emergency situation today.”
Some of the protesters were also reported to have burnt tyres, creating a chaotic scene in the capital Banjul.
The Police command subsequently said in a statement that permit for the protest march had been canceled, advising people to stay away from the street.
Gambians have been reacting angrily to the reaction of the security forces to protesters.
That’s Binta Nyabally getting arrested. She was the lady at the TRRC that was rapped and beaten during Jammeh’s era and today she’s being arrested and sexually assaulted by a government she ushered in. #Gambia pic.twitter.com/QqP0Q57ba8
— Cllr. Kemo Bojang || Kombo Mansa ?? (@kemo_bojang) January 26, 2020
#Gambia The dictatorship is officially born today but we will squash it in its infancy.
— Cllr. Kemo Bojang || Kombo Mansa ?? (@kemo_bojang) January 26, 2020
#Gambia We’ve confirmed that some journalists covering the protests have been attacked. Both the protesters and police should exercise restraint #PressFreedom
— Saikou Jammeh (@saiks2) 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.”
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
