Some of the protesters held placards with inscriptions demanding the resignation of members of the Gamabia National Assembly. Photo Credit: Salieu Taal
Several youth of The Gambia on Tuesday marched on the streets peacefully for the first time under new president Adama Barrow as they demand the resignation of their Members of Parliament.
The protest dubbed the “Peaceful Youth Stand-up Match” was permitted by the country’s police service without any hesitation.
Historic ??New Gambia bravo @Mokendeh1 The youths are taking a leadership role #GambiaHasDecided #Gambia pic.twitter.com/2MNyJe5XgV
— Salieu Taal (@salieutaal) January 31, 2017
@salieutaal this is what democracy is all about, every voice should be heard, the youths are the future of the #Gambia. Your time is here.✌
— Azzez (@leoakins1) January 31, 2017
The protesting youth wanted their lawmakers to resign for approving a state of emergency under the now exiled former leader Yahya Jammeh who had refused to cede power peacefully.
The 90-day state of emergency was announced days before the tenure of Mr. Jammeh expired on January 19 on state television.
The members of the National Assembly, in approving the state of emergency, condemned the “unlawful and malicious interference” by the African Union’s Peace and Security Council. These bodies had said they will no longer recognize Jammeh as Gambia’s legitimate leader.
The youth described the actions of the MPs as unconstitutional and a move that shows that the legislators did not have the interest of the people of Gambia at heart.
The state of emergency was revoked shortly after Mr. Jammeh went into exile in the Equatorial Guinea.
President Adama Barrow has promised several reforms in his country with priority to be given to the respect of people’s rights and freedom of speech.
Gambia 1st YouthStandUp march to demand MPs resign. 1st peaceful protest under Presi Barrow.Legislative polls are in April Pix: @salieutaal pic.twitter.com/MK2JnRQvly
— Aisha Dabo™ (@mashanubian) January 31, 2017
The protest by the Gambian youth is seen by many as a huge milestone in a country that hardly had dissenting views allowed.
No comment #newgambia #GambiaHasDecided pic.twitter.com/9ytpNLItoG
— Salieu Taal (@salieutaal) January 31, 2017
Source: Africafeeds.com
