The Cabinet has called for calm assuring Gambians that the situation is under complete control.
“The cabinet session called for calm and reinforced The Gambia’s commitment to democratic principles it considers ‘sacred’,” the Information and Communication Minister, Mr Ebrima Sillah is quoted by a state house press release, which was issued after an emergency cabinet session on Thursday, January 30, 2020, to discuss matters relating to events that happened on Sunday, 26th January.
“We want to assure the international community of our sacred duty to be committed to democratic principles and that Gambia government will continue to be engaged in those sacred principles. The Gambia is calm, peaceful and we call on the Gambian people to support the government in that direction to ensure that we sustain the peace in this country,” he is quoted as saying.
On Sunday 26th January, 2020 a protest organised by Three Years Jotna, calling for President Barrow to honour his promise to step down after three years in power soon turned into a riot resulting in injuries, burning of tyres, use of tear gas, closure of radio stations and arrests of 137 persons. There have been mass releases but eight people who form part of the leadership of Three Years Jotna have been charged to court and remanded in custody while the matter has been referred to the high court. The two radio stations, King FM and Home Digital FM are still closed.
