The Inspector General of Police, Seedy Muktar Touray, has issued a stark warning to Gambians: no protest will be tolerated without an approved permit, effective immediately.
Speaking at a packed press conference this evening, IGP Touray announced a joint security operation commencing tonight in response to what he described as “unauthorised public processions, nighttime gatherings, and attacks on sensitive government installations.”
“From this very moment, nobody is allowed to protest without an approved permit. Nobody is allowed to converge, cause havoc, distort the peace and tranquillity of the nation, especially during the night. Any violation of this will be met with necessary force,” the IGP declared.
The announcement follows days of protests across Banjul and other parts of the country over prolonged electricity disruptions that have left communities without power for up to 36 hours.
A journalist from The Point newspaper challenged the IGP on the practicality of requiring permits when communities are suffering.
“Can I give an example of what happened in Banjul, for 36 hours without electricity? How do you expect those people to sit for another 36 hours, to apply for a permit, to go out and protest, after you approve the permit?” the journalist asked.
The IGP dismissed the question, stating: “I am calling the press conference not to discuss anything about permits. We are here to discuss this operation.”
He added: “The right to peaceful assembly also goes with the right to get the required approval for permits. In the absence of that approved permit, we consider it unlawful.”
