By Nelson Manneh
The office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has on Monday 6th December 2021 issued a statement warning post electoral violence in the Gambia.
Following the announcement of the final Presidential Election results 2021 and the declaration of the winner by the Independent Electoral Commission, the Office of the Inspector General of Police has noticed with concern, gatherings with violent tendencies and obstructions.
“These are causing panic and alarms within the population which should be avoided. Without restraint, any form of post electoral violence will jeopardize our legacy for tolerance, maturity and peacefulness,” the IGP stated.
The office of the IGP therefore, strongly urges all Gambians to remain calm and go about their normal lawful business, and avoid acts that can lead to a breach of the law. We are advocating for legal means of addressing our concerns as citizens.
Moreover, it is the responsibility of all Gambians to safeguard the peace and tranquility that makes us the envy of others. Hence the police are particularly encouraging the leadership at all levels to engage their followers for law and order to prevail.
To this end, the Office of the IGP wishes to once again implore on all individuals to cooperate with the police to ensure that no form of post electoral violence erupts in this country. “It is doable and we have collectively manifested that during the nominations and campaigns.”
Furthermore, the police want to warn all that they will not allow this country to fall in to a state of lawlessness and any individual or group found wanting would be dealt with strictly according to Law.
The police thank all Gambians and the electoral partners for supporting the police and look forward to a continuation of the same support for peace and tranquility to reign.
