The United Democratic Party has issued a statement condemning acts of violence meted out to Gambians who took to the streets on Sunday to demand President Adama Barrow’s resignation, the first party to do so.

At least 130 people were arrested on Sunday amid violent clashes that erupted between police and Operation Three Years Jotna protesters.

UDP on Monday said in a statement: “The United Democratic Party has observed with great concern the events of January 26, 2020 between the security forces and members/supporters of the ‘Three Years Jotna Movement’.

“The United Democratic Party is known for its respect for human rights, tolerance and adherence to freedom of expression and assembly; as demonstrated by its conduct over the past 25 years. We therefore, strongly condemn the disproportionate use of force and acts of violence against innocent protesters who were engaged in exercising their democratic rights to protest under a permit issued by the Inspector General of Police.

“The party took note of graphic images of Gambians being brutalised by personnel of the Police Intervention Unit (PIU). This included the beating of female protesters already arrested. The UDP urges those who continue to advocate and claim to be supporters of women’s rights to review their positions in view of the mistreatment of innocent female protesters.

“The closure of media houses is unacceptable. Media reports have it that the Minister of Information was not privy to any decision taken to close these media houses. We condemn this action on the part of the police and urge government to reopen these radio stations immediately. The arbitrary closure of media houses and arrest of journalists was the hallmark of the Jammeh administration.

“The party also understands that many arrested individuals have been denied access to legal advice and family visits; and some of the arrested individuals require medical attention. They have been denied these rights and this is reminiscent of the Jammeh-era excesses.

“Media images also showed a young man who lost his teeth and was bleeding profusely as a result of violence by the PIU. These are not the kind of images and types of actions Gambians expect to see post-2016, neither is this the change Gambians voted for in December 2016.

“The United Democratic Party calls upon the government to observe the principles of the rule of law and cooperate with the Human Rights Commission to conduct an enquiry into why a peaceful and lawful demonstration was violently disrupted.

“We equally appeal to all citizens to exercise restraint and observe the rule of law in the exercise of their rights in the interest of peace and national security.”

The National Human Rights Commission has said it has received with great concern news of violent clashes between members of the Police Intervention Unit and Three Years Jotna concerned citizens.

Riot police and protesters under Operation Three Years Jotna clashed at Sting corner as they protested against President Barrow’s plan to extend his term.

The National Human Rights Commission in a statement said: “The NHRC is informed that a number of protestors and PIU officials were injured, 137 arrested and the operational license of two FM radio Stations suspended.

“The NHRC in its Press Release dated 14th January, 2020, following two meetings with executive members of the 3 Year Jotna Concerned Citizens and the Inspector General of Police and some members of his senior team on January 9th, expressed its concern regarding the tension that was already brewing between the two bodies.

“Unfortunately, the incident on the 26th January confirmed the fears raised by the NHRC, that if the misunderstanding was not addressed, it may lead to public order.

“Violence of this nature must be avoided at all cost. The NHRC stands by its statement published on 14th January 2020 and indulges both the law enforcement agencies, the 3 years Jotna Concerned Citizens and any other entity to exercise restraint and abide by the law.

“In this regard, the NHRC is requesting that all those who are arrested are accorded due process as stipulated under Sections 17 and 19 of the 1997 Constitution; those injured are afforded the right medical treatment; and that the government reconsiders its decision to suspend the licences of Brikama-based Home Digital FM and Tallingding Kunjang-based King FM radio stations.

“The NHRC reiterates that as a nation, everybody abides by the rule of law and due process to prevent anarchy and lawlessness in the country. The NHRC also reminds the State and its agents that they are the primary duty bearers who have the obligation to respect, protect and fulfil the fundamental rights of everyone living within its jurisdiction. Everyone also has the responsibility to build a peaceful and prosperous Gambia where human rights are respected and enjoyed by everyone.

“The NHRC will closely monitor the situation to ensure that human rights standards are observed and maintained.”

By Lamin Njie

Amnesty International has reacted to Sunday’s violent protest which saw the arrest of 137 people.

At least six people were hospitalised at Kanifing hospital among them a man who lost almost all his teeth after he was allegedly hit with a rock on the face by a police officer.

Amnesty’s Marta Colomer reacted to the violence on Monday saying Sunday’s crackdown on protesters had “alarming echoes of Gambia’s brutal past”.

The human rights group’s acting deputy regional director for West and Central said: “There have been some significant improvements in the country’s human rights record since President Adama Barrow came to power, but the use of excessive force by security forces to disperse protesters risks fuelling tensions and steering Gambia back to dark days of repression.

“Last night, media quoted medical officials reporting that three people were killed, and many others injured with broken legs in clashes which broke out, with security forces using tear gas to disperse protesters. The authorities claimed that there are no fatalities. They now must promptly, thoroughly and effectively investigate the allegations and bring to justice anyone suspected to be responsible.

“No one should face arrest simply for exercising their human rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The authorities must immediately and unconditionally release all those detained for exercising their right to peaceful protest. We also call on them to reopen the radio stations which they closed and release the journalists detained. Any attack on media freedom should end.

“President Adama Barrow must not forget his significant promises to improve the Gambia’s human rights situation. He must ensure that journalists are able to carry out their work without fear of reprisal and immediately lift the ban imposed on civil society organizations.”

By Lamin Njie

The chairman of the Constitutional Review Commission has said his commission has met and asked the Gambia Christian Council and the Supreme Islamic Council to resolve their differences through dialogue.

The CRC held a press conference on Monday to share with members of the general public its work in the past few weeks.

The news conference is coming amid tension between Muslims and Christians over the issue of whether or not The Gambia should be made a secular nation.

The CRC chairman in a statement said his commission has engaged the duo religious bodies of Supreme Islamic Council and Gambia Christian Council.

“The Commission also met with The Gambia Christian Council and the Supreme Islamic Council to discuss their submissions on the draft Constitution and to encourage dialogue between the leaders representing both communities in the wake of the intense debate on secularism,” Justice Sulayman Jallow said while outlining the activities the CRC had been engaged in.

On the issue of the second round of countrywide public consultation on the new draft constitution, Justice Jallow said: “The CRC embarked on a second round of countrywide public consultations from the 31st of November to the 16th of December 2019 to share and inform on the provisions in the draft Constitution, hear the citizens’ perceptions on the proposed provisions and recommendations proffered by citizens.

“The second round of public consultative meetings were held in 13 (thirteen) communities from the 7 (seven) Administrative Areas of The Gambia in the following venues: Banjul, Fass Njaga Choi, Kerewan, Kaur, Diabugu, Basse, Jangjanbureh, Jareng, Soma, Kwinella, Bwiam, Brikama and Kanifing Municipality (KMC).

“In all these communities, the CRC ensured that the Local Government Authorities, Seyfos, Alkalos, School Administrators and Community Based Organisations (CBOs) were availed with adequate advance copies of the Draft Constitution in order to facilitate public access and to allow Gambians to familiarise themselves with the proposed provisions and subsequently provide feedback to the Commission. By the end of the two week public consultation in the communities, the Commission had met 3,011 (three thousand and eleven) Gambians in the 13 (thirteen) communities visited.”

By Lamin Njie

A video of a police officer running after a female protester and hitting her on her buttocks while his colleague appeared shocked has emerged online.

Hundreds of Operation Three Years Jotna protesters clashed with police at Sting Corner as they protested against President Adama Barrow’s plan to extend his rule. At least 130 people were arrested during the violent protest.

The ugly scenes saw the arrest of a number of women who were also out on the streets to protest.

A video has now emerged online where a police officer is seen hitting a female protester as she was being escorted.

In the video, a police appeared from nowhere and hit the female protester on her buttocks.

His colleague looked back appearing not happy with his action. Another officer was then seen hitting the woman on her backside.

Watch video below;

By Lamin Njie

The Gambia Press Union today reacted to the Gambia government proclamation warning journalists against dealing with members of Operation Three Years Jotna.

Violent protests erupted in the country on Sunday resulting in the arrest of over 130 people. Two radio stations were shut down by the government while four journalists were also arrested.

The Gambia government in a statement classified Operation Three Years Jotna an illegal movement and warned journalists against dealing with them.

“Henceforth, any person, Radio Station, business or group that chooses to do business with Operation 3-Years Jotna and or promote their agenda will be in violation of this pronouncement and will face severe consequences,” the government said in a statement.

GPU held a press conference today lashing out at the government over its ‘proclamation’.

“…the proclamation contained in yesterday’s press release which appears to warn journalists against presenting divergent views is equally as dangerous as it is unlawful,” GPU said.

It added: “It has no legitimate basis, and therefore, we call on the media to disregard it and present as diverse opinions as possible on any issue of legitimate public interest and the issue of the tenure of the president is one such issue.

“We will challenge any attempt by the government to pursue further with the implementation of this proclamation.”

By Lamin Njie

The interior ministry has said Three Years Jotna protesters violated the conditions of their permit by insisting they were heading to Banjul.

Three Years Jotna protesters clashed with police on Sunday resulting in the arrest of at least 130 people with many also injured.

The interior ministry in a statement said: “The Jotna Group was given clear warning by the police (Proclamation) to remain converged at the designated assembly point to carry on with their protest which they adamantly refused insisting they were heading to Banjul which was a clear violation of the conditions set out in the permit.

“The police continued to persuade and redirect the protesters toward the agreed convergence point but the protesters refused to comply.

“Clearly, as the agitated crowd made its way to the dual carriage highway towards Banjul, the police had no choice but to use necessary measures to redirect them to the agreed starting point of the protest.

“At this stage, the protesters became uncompromising, aggressive and confrontational which prompted the revocation of the permit for the maintenance of law and order and to enforce the conditions of the permit.”

By Lamin Njie

Madi Jobarteh has slammed the Gambia government over the arrest of four journalists amid violent protests that erupted in the country on Sunday.

Three Years Jotna protesters clashed with police on Sunday resulting in the arrest of at least 130 people. The protest also saw the arrest of four journalists while two radio stations were closed by the government.

The Gambia government in a statement accused the journalists and the two radio stations of violating 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.

“Meanwhile, 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 government said in a statement read on GRTS.

Madi Jobarteh has reacted to the government’s treatment of journalists calling on the GPU to act.

He said: “The arrests of journalists and closure of media houses is an affront to all Gambians and our Constitution. It is dictatorial tendency that we saw in the past that must not be allowed to repeat itself.

“GPU needs to go to ECOWAS Court! The incidence of attacks on journalists and the media in general is increasing in The Gambia yet no accountability is done. This will further weaken the media making it unable to defend itself. High time GPU takes the strongest path to accountability!

“GPU must issue a strong statement right now to condemn these arrests and demand their unconditional release. No journalist should be arrested or media house closed down for its coverage when the Government have the liberty and the ability to respond to what it does not like. The police have no authority to arrest any journalist or close down any media house on account of its reportage!

“GPU must not allow arrested journalists to spend the night in police custody as if they stole or looted or raped or physically assaulted or killed anyone! Rights have to be defended otherwise they will be snatched away by oppressors!”

By Lamin Njie

One hundred and thirty-seven people have been arrested over Sunday’s violent protest, the Gambia government has said.

Hundreds of Three Years Jotna members clashed with police on Sunday as they took to the streets to demand President Barrow’s resignation. At least six people were hospitalised at Kanifing hospital.

The over 100 people arrested include Operation Three Years Jotna’s trio leaders of Abdou Njie, Kitim Jarju and Camara Bah. Other notable figures include Binta Nyabally, Lamin Conteh and Yankuba Darbo.

By Lamin Njie

Police commissioner Muhammed Kanteh has been arrested after he left his post to check on his brothers who were allegedly stabbed during Sunday’s protest.

Mr Kanteh left Brikama for Kanifing to see his two brother who he claimed had been stabbed while exercising their ‘right’.

The senior officer told reporters at Kanifing hospital he was at work when he received the news.

“I have about 100 men under me as I speak, I left them because my brother is stabbed,” Mr Kanteh said.

He then told reporters his brothers were out lawfully to ‘exercise their constitutional right’.

“I am not feared [sic]. The president himself knows that Kanteh is not feared [sic]”, he said when asked whether he was not afraid of landing himself in trouble.

The Fatu Network has gathered the top officer has been arrested and placed in custody.

Police spokesman Lamin Njie (not related to the author of this story) did not pick a call for comment.

By Lamin Njie

Six people were hospitalised as protesters clashed with police at Sting Corner on Sunday.

Thousands of Gambians on Sunday took to the streets to demand the resignation of President Adama Barrow but the protest turned violent before it could even start.

Riot police fired teargas and beat the protesters who had started gathering at Sting Corner for a walk to the Independence Stadium.

It all started when a man suspected of being a member of Barrow Youth Movement appeared at the protest with a motorbike. A small crowd surrounded him and as tempers flared, police fired teargas. The place was then thrown into turmoil.

In the heat of the moment, Abdou Darboe, a protester lost almost all his teeth after being allegedly hit on the jaw with a ‘big’ stone by police.

His friend Saibeh Manneh told The Fatu Network: “All hell broke loose at Bakau Sting Corner where Abdou was just at the edge of the crowd. They approached him to move from there. Abdou told them, ‘we are given a permit to gather and to move to our destination’. They said, ‘no we don’t care, you have to move’.”

Saibeh added: “So during that fracas, bunch of them banged on him, assaulted him. The other one picked a big stone and hit him at the jaw and then immediately they dispersed.”

Six people were hospitalised at Kanifing hospital where a small crowd gathered to find out what was happening. Among them was the ringleader of the protest, Abdou Njie.

He told The Fatu Network President Adama Barrow was ‘nothing’ as he reacted to the violence.

“Adama Barrow is nothing, it was people who made him something. So if he wants to abuse the power we gave him, what we did in removing Yahya is what we are going to do to him too,” Mr Njie said.

Later, two riot police vehicles pulled off in front of the hospital and arrested Mr Njie in the middle of a small crowd.

The Operation Three Years Jotna chairman declined the police’s offer for him to enter inside the vehicle. Instead, he climbed in the back of the pickup truck where he waved at the small crowd as the police vehicle sped up.

He was first taken to Kanifing Police Station and later moved to the police intervention unit. The police later took him to Banjul.

By Lamin Njie

Al Jazeera’s Nicolas Haque has slammed the Gambia government for denying Al Jazeera accreditation to cover Three Years Jotna’s protest on Sunday.

Thousands of Gambians under pressure group Operation Three Years Jotna will take to the streets on Sunday to call for President Adama Barrow’s resignation.

Al Jazeera had last month been cleared to cover an initial protest by Operation Three Years Jotna. The group is protesting against President Barrow’s plan to stay in office for the second time in four weeks.

Mr Haque in a tweet on Saturday said the Gambia government ‘refused’ to grant Al Jazeera accreditation to cover Three Years Jotna’s protest.

“It’s really unfortunate the Gambia’s government refused to grant us accreditation to cover Jammeh’s victims protest and 3 Years Jotna demo against Barrow – seems they are turning to old tactics used during Jammeh’s time but this will not stop our reporting,” Mr Haque said in a tweet.

However, The Fatu Network has seen a letter purportedly by the ministry of information approving a filming request that suggests Al Jazeera wants to film in the country between 28 January and 8 February.

By Lamin Njie

Madi Jobarteh told Ebrima Sankareh ‘we run things here’ following the government spokesperson’s attempt to say something moments after climbing the stage.

Mr Sankareh was once again activated to receive a petition for onward delivery to President Adama Barrow, as hundreds marched to call for former president Yahya Jammeh to be brought to justice.

As usual, no-nonsense-looking police in their riot gear escorted Mr Sankareh as he climbed the stage to receive the Jammeh victims’ petition.

However, an awkward moment was when the government spokesperson made an attempt to say something only for one of the leaders of the march Madi Jobarteh to rebuff him.

“This is our show, we run things here,” Mr Jobarteh told Sankareh who then retreated as the crowd jeered at him.

Later, Mr Sankareh was given the floor to addressed the crowd in which he lifted the lid on how he was also a victim of former president Jammeh’s rule. He said he came to the march ground with a lot of emotion.

By Lamin Njie, editor in chief, and Adama Makasuba

The Gambia government should impose a ban or suspend the APRC party until the ongoing TRRC is concluded, victims of former president Yahya Jammeh ordered the Barrow administration on Saturday as they took to the streets to demand that the former leader be brought to justice.

Former President Jammeh ruled the country for 22 years but an ongoing investigation has revealed his rule was dotted by gross human rights violations and abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture and enforced disappearances.

Hundreds of Gambians who were victims of his rule took part in a less-than-a-kilometre march on Saturday calling for Mr Jammeh to be brought to justice.

The victims are however not happy with his supporters and are calling on the Barrow administration to ban the former leader’s party, APRC.

Sheriff Kijera, one of the leaders of Saturday’s march, said in a petition letter to the Gambia government: “Victims continue to raise concerns that despite the various testimonies by both victims and perpetrators alike, there still exist a section of out society that is in blatant denial of the atrocities committed by the former president to the extent of demanding for his return as an ordinary citizen, which is a mockery and a provocation to victims. This provocation can incite violence and jeopardise the ongoing investigation of the TRRC and negatively impact on the reconciliation and healing process.

“It is against this background that the victims community and CSOs are demanding the following; the Gambia government to impose a ban or suspend the APRC party until the ongoing TRRC is concluded; the Gambia government condemn any threat towards the victims and take appropriate legal measures for remedy…”

Saturday’s march attracted Gambians from all walks of life as they chanted, ‘we want justice, now!’

Former PPP interim leader Omar Jallow who took part in the march bashed Jammeh’s over their campaign for the former president to return to the country.

“After all the treacherous and violations of human rights and people’s rights that had happened here in 22 years of Jammeh’s regime, all those Gambian sons, daughters who were killed, tortured, raped, still the APRC wants Yaya Jammeh to come back here in honor.

“And they are praising him for all those terrible crimes he had committed. I think, what the APRC should have done is to show remorse, to beg for forgiveness and to accept their faults,” Mr Jallow said.

By Lamin Njie

Abubacarr Tambadou got a hero’s welcome from family and friends after the justice minister returned to the country from the Netherlands where he fronted Myanmar’s ICJ shaming.

Mr Tambadou is credited for dragging Myanmar to the International Court of Justice over its treatment of the Rohingya. UN investigators had discovered the Asian nation was engaged in acts of genocide against the minority Muslim tribe.

The Gambia last year with backing from the world’s Muslim countries filed a case at the International Court of Justice alleging that Myanmar was committing “an ongoing genocide” against the Rohingya.

On Thursday, the Rohingya got a glimpse of respite after the world’s top court ordered Myanmar to take measures to prevent genocidal acts against the group.

The court unanimously adopted “provisional measures” that require Myanmar to prevent genocide and take steps to preserve evidence.

According to human rights watch, Myanmar’s military committed extensive atrocities against the Rohingya, including murder, rape, and arson, that peaked during its late 2017 campaign of ethnic cleansing, forcing more than 740,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh.

In September 2019, the United Nations-backed International Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar found that the 600,000 Rohingya remaining in Myanmar “may face a greater threat of genocide than ever,” human rights watch said.

Mr Tambadou who has been leading the case of the Rohingya returned to the country on Friday, with family and friends filling Tambadou Kunda in Kanifing to congratulate him.

His mother cried while hugging him as his brother Sheriff smiled throughout at an event that also saw the national anthem played.

Imams from the Supreme Islamic Council were also at the Tambadou home to pray for the justice minister.

By Lamin Njie

Police chief Mamour Jobe on Saturday issued UDP a permit to hold a rally in Brikama, cancelling an initial move that saw him deny the country’s biggest party a permit.

Mr Jobe had on Friday denied UDP a permit to hold a rally at Brikama SSP, a move that angered UDP.

UDP leader Ousainu Darboe later laid into the police chief as he threatened to disregard the IGP’s decision and go ahead with the rally. The police chief has now reversed his decision and has issued UDP a permit to hold its rally.

It marks the third time in recent weeks the police chief would deny a group a permit only for him to back-pedal when pressure mounts.

Last month, the IG denied GDC a permit to hold rallies in URR only for him to change gear a few days later, and earlier this month, he denied Operation Three Years Jotna a permit too. He later rolled back the move after the group threatened to take to the streets without a permit.

The Fatu Network gathered on Saturday the IG granted UDP a permit after he was summoned to State House. State House press secretary Amie Bojang Sissoho however said she was not aware of a meeting.

By Adama Makasuba

An unidentified man nearly got mauled after he showed up at an anti-Jammeh march shouting that the former leader didn’t commit any crime.

Victims of former president Jammeh on Saturday took to the streets to demand that the former leader be brought to justice for crimes he allegedly committed. Mr Jammeh is accused of committing serious human rights violations and abuses during his 22 years rule.

The victims who included UDP leader Ousainu Darboe said they want the former president to face justice.

However, an unidentified man appeared at the event taunting the marchers and shouting that allegations against Mr Jammeh were baseless.

The man was then forced to run for his life after his comments angered the victims. He ran and sought sanctuary at the riot police who quickly took him into a vehicle and sped off.

The Fatu Network understands the man was taken to the police intervention unit headquarters in Kanifing.

By Lamin Njie

UDP leader Ousainu Darboe has called on all members of his party to abide by the law at all times.

UDP leader unloaded on the Inspector General of Police on Friday after the police chief denied his party a permit to hold a rally in Brikama on Saturday.

A furious Mr Darboe said he was ready to return to Mile 2 as he will be in Brikama for the rally with or without the permit, comments that have emboldened his supporters to come out in their large numbers for Saturday’s rally, even if it means breaking the law.

Mr Darboe however in a statement late Friday said: “The history of the United Democratic Party, for almost a quarter of a century has been characterized by strict adherence to the laws of the Gambia, even during the darkest days of the dictatorship the Party always operated within the ambit of law.

“As a Party we are proud of our reputation as ‘’the rule of law Party’ and as the Secretary General and Party Leader I do not wish, after fighting for so long to bring democracy and the rule of law back to the Gambia only to now besmirch this image of the UDP.

“In respect of the IGP’s refusal to grant a Permit for the UDP rally scheduled for tomorrow Saturday 25th January 2020, in Brikama, I may have said some things in the heat of the moment a few hours ago that may be construed by some as advocating for the UDP to act outside the ambit of law.

“This was not my intention. I therefore wish to urge all UDP members and Party militants to at all times be law abiding be dignified and measured in their manifestations of support for the Party. I can reassure you that the Gambia will never again be governed in a dictatorial way.”