Gambian police have arrested 137 people and shut down some media houses following clashes between police and protesters on Sunday.
According to a government statement, the “Police have arrested some 137 people among them, Executive members.”
It said “some are in hiding while others are attempting to flee the jurisdiction. Regional Governors, Chiefs and local district authorities are urged to report any suspects to the nearest police station and the public is warned that it is a violation of the law to harbor any fugitives from justice.”
The Gambia Government also said it “regrets to report that while there were no fatalities, some people sustained non-life threatening injuries among them 18 paramilitary officers and 7 civilians, most of whom have since been discharged.”
The Gambian government has already banned a group called Operation 3-Years Jotna, which has been pushing for the resignation of President Adama Barrow.
Meanwhile the government has also suspended some media houses saying they helped the opposition group to unseat the president.
It announced the “suspension of Brikama-based Home Digital FM and Tallinding Kunjang-based King FM radio stations pending the outcome police investigations that these stations violated their licenses.
Government notes with concern that the two FM stations have demonstrated notoriety for peddling incendiary messages and allowed their media to be used as platforms for inciting violence, fear-mongering and live broadcasts urging Gambians to join Jotna demonstrators all calculated to threaten the security and safety of The Gambia.”
The government spokesperson, Ebrima G Sankareh said “Pa Modou Bojang, the Proprietor of Brikama-based Home Digital Fm and Mr. Gibbi Jallow, the Manager of King FM are helping the Police in their investigations.
The Gambia Government urges all citizens and members of the public to stay away from these stations.”
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 Operation ‘3 year Jotna’ movement, say they want to hold the government and all politicians accountable.
President Adama Barrow has already said he won’t resign from office as he registers a new political party to seek re-election.
Source: Africafeeds.com
