The National Human Rights Commission, The Gambia

PRESS RELEASE

NHRC/PR/27012020/(05)

27 January 2020

Violent Clashes Between 3 Years Jotna Concerned Citizens and the Police Intervention Unit on 26^th January 2020.

The NHRC received with great concern news of violent clashes between members of the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) and 3 Years Jotna Concerned Citizens on Sunday 26^th January 2020.

The NHRC is informed that a number of protestors and PIU officials were injured, 137 arrested and the operational the license of two FM radio Stations suspended.

The NHRC in its Press Release dated 14^th 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 a senior team on January 9^th, expressed its concern regarding the tension that was already brewing between the two bodies.

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

The violence of this nature must be avoided at all costs. The NHRC stands by its statement published on 14^th 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 licenses 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 fulfill 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.

_________________

Emmanuel Daniel Joof

Chairperson NHRC

Contact

Name: Isatou Njai Cham

Director of Communications and Media

The Gambia National Human Rights Commission

National Secretariat, P. O. Box 2858, Kotu (opp. DSTV),

The Gambia

Tel: (220) 3353107; 3353106; 3353110

Email: es@gm-nhrc.org; Website: www.gm-nhrc.org

ZERO CRIME IN THE GAMBIA: NEW ACTING IGP

 By Ousman A. Marong

The new acting (IGP) Inspector General of Police Alhagi Mamoud Jobe has stated that the police administration's resolves to "deal with any threat to the peace and security of the country."

 According to him, the police service will remain professional and abide by its constitutional mandate of maintaining peace in the build up to combat crime rates in the country.

 Inspector jobe made this comments at a press conference held at the police headquarters in Banjul, thus saw his first public appearance with members of the press.

The idea of the press conference, he said was for him to pick up where his predecessors left.

 "The Gambia is a peaceful and secure country and shall remain so he noted adding that Gambian's should feel free to go about their normal duties as the police will deal with any threats to the peace and security of the country, it ever been enjoying before."

 He noted that the police will deal with any person or person who there to disturb the prevailing peace in the country.

 Asked about the whereabouts of the 5 arrested Police Intervention Units (P.I.U) who were arrested under the 72 hours without been taken to court? Mr. Jobe answered in the affirmative saying thoes P.I.U officers were suspended and the investigation is ongoing and soon they will appear before the court.

News bite Gambia’s Ousman A. Marong  asked whether the police should attend to peaceful demonstrations with live ammunitions, and under which circumstances should they open fire should in case things got out of hand?

He responded saying "Yes section 20 of the police act gave powers to the police to attend to riots with Ak47 ruffles each loaded with 7 live rounds, but the first step that the police should use should be opening tear gas and opening live rounds should be the last resort.

New acting IGP (Photo credit Ousman A.Marong)