Victim Center Chair Say President Barrow let Gambians down

Photo: Sheriff M. Kijera

By Ousman A. Marong

The Chairman of the Gambia Center for Victims of Human Rights Violation, Sheriff Kijera, has on Monday reacted to the granting of a permit to the supporters of the Alliance for Patriotic Reconciliation Construction Party (APRC) to protest in demand for former President Jammeh’s possible return to the country as a free man.

“President Barrow had let all of us down by issuing a permit to the APRC,” he said.

It could be recalled that on Wednesday 16 January 2020, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mahmud Jobe decided to grant a permit to officials of the APRC Party to protest.

The granting of the permit came at a time when the IGP’s office refused to approve #Operation “3-years jotna” a movement to protest demanding for President Barrow to step down and honor his campaign promised.

“It is disappointing to see President Barrow letting us down. He (President Barrow) together with his government let all of us (Gambians) down. The decision from the IGP to issue the permit to supports of the APRC to protest was a political move. Such a decision does not come from the IGP himself. I am sure the move is politically motivated," he remarked.

He made the disclosure at a press conference held at the Center for human rights violations in Kotu.

It could also be recall that former president Jammeh’s name has been adversely mentioned at the Truth Commission as someone responsible for gross-human right violation.

He alleged that President Barrow wants to prolong and self-perpetuate himself into power.

“He (President Barrow) wants to contest the next Presidential election so he will do all he could in order to get the support of the APRC. He is aiming to go in for an alliance with the APRC party in order to achieve his long dream of ruling,” he asserted.

He revealed that all the victims of former President Jammeh are disappointed with the move to grant APRC the permit to protest.

He stated that they (the victims) have written a permit to the IGP and that they will embark on a massive protest come Saturday 25 January 2020.

“We are calling on all and sundry to turn up in their thousands and join us to demonstrate for a possible bring Jammeh to justice. Jammeh must face justice; Jammeh must answer to all the allegations against him, “he quired.

He said Gambians are closely monitoring the TRRC where various testifiers alleged to have ordered from him to mime Gambians.

“He (Jammeh) cannot go scot-free. He and all those behind  all heinous crimes against any Gambian must be held responsible,” Mr. Kijera vowed.

 He said victims of former president Jammeh are in dire need for justice. He added that many victims are still nursing the wounds inflicted on them by former President Yahya Jammeh.