Gambia: Police grants peaceful procession permit to pressure group ‘Operation 3 Years Jotna’.
Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - The office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of The Gambia Friday granted a second peaceful procession permit’ to ‘Operation 3 Years Jotna’ meaning three years has reached, an official statement made availableto PANA here said.
The statement released by the government spokesperson, Ebrima Sankareh, stated that the office of The Inspector General of Police had granted a ‘Peaceful Procession Permit’ to ‘Operation 3 Years Jotna’.
“Accordingly, The Gambia Government wishes to announce that ‘Operation 3 Years Jotna’ will be in peaceful procession on Sunday, 26th January, 2020. Their permit is valid from 12:00 Noon to 2:00Pm.
“The procession begins from the Y-Junction on entering Bakau 15km outside Banjul from Sting Corner, passes by Methodist Academy and turns right towards the Independence Stadium in Bakau.
“The Gambia government hereby assures citizens and members of the public that their security and safety is paramount and cannot be compromised under any circumstances. Therefore, all are urged to remain law abiding and go about their normal businesses,” the statement said.
‘Operation 3 Years Jotna’ held its first protest on December 16,2019, petitioning Gambian leader Adama Barrow to step down in honour of the coalition 2016 agreement that brought him to power.
In a gentlemen’s agreement, seven political parties and one independent candidate backed the Gambian leader to defeat long-time leader Yahya Jammeh in December 1, 2016 presidential elections.
The statement, signed by Sankareh, further said “motorists as well as pedestrians are urged to maintain the designated lanes leaving the ‘Operation 3 Years Jotna’ to use their exclusively assigned lane terminating at the gate behind the Score Board of the Independence Stadium”.
The statement warned that “any parallel demonstrations outside of the designated area constitute a serious violation of the permit and violators will face severe consequences”.
“Members of the public are also urged to allow the peaceful procession to move on smoothly as anyone who interferes with the peaceful procession will be committing an offense, equally punishable under the law.
“Accordingly, The Gambia Government solicits the cooperation of all citizens and residents to remain calm for the maintenance of the peace and security of the country,” the statement said
“Consistent with Government’s security preparedness mechanism, members of the public will notice increased security presence in their communities for the safety and security of everyone. All are strongly advised to cooperate fully with the security patrol teams,” the statement pointed out.
-0- PANA MSS/RA 24Jan2020
