The government of The Gambia has placed a ban on political activities following deadly clashes between supporters of the country’s President Adama Barrow and opposition supporters in two communities in the western coast region.
Local media reported that the clashes are being investigated by the police on the orders of President Barrow who is unhappy with the development.
Police spokesperson David Kujabi said in a statement that “This is a democratic country where all are free to support any political party of their choice”.
The clashes have left several people injured on both sides with valuable property destroyed during the clashes.
Angry villagers in Barrow’s native community of Busumbala were reported to have blocked streets scouting for supporters of the ex-President Yahya Jammeh, who they claim were the first to launch an assault on them.
No arrests have been made so far but the police in a statement said “The decision to suspend all political activity permits has been taken following violent incidents in Mankamang Kunda in the Upper River Region and Busumbala in the West Coast Region”.
ECOMIG, the forces of the West African economic bloc ECOWAS are still supporting Gambia to deal with its security challenges after the exit of former leader Yahya Jammeh.
Source: Africafeeds.com
