Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Police in The Gambia has granted permission for a peaceful protest organized by the Coalition of Progressive Gambians, scheduled to take place on Thursday November 7.
The Coalition says the demonstration is to express displeasure with the amendments made to the 2020 Constitutional Review Commission’s Draft. The organizers of demonstration also say that public consultation is necessary before changing certain parts of the Draft, which they believe the government did all by itself.
The demonstration, which will run from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., is set to begin at Bond Road Junction (opposite Jah Oil) and conclude at the first gate of the National Assembly in Banjul.
According to a letter issued on November 5, Assistant Inspector General of Police Pateh Jallow outlined a series of conditions under which the protest must be conducted. These stipulations are designed to ensure that the demonstration remains orderly and lawful throughout.
The conditions mandate that the protest must adhere strictly to the scheduled time-frame and designated route. Organizers have also been instructed that only two members of the delegation are authorized to deliver a petition to representatives of the National Assembly and the Ministry of Justice at the National Assembly grounds. Additionally, any press briefing related to the protest is to be held only at the National Assembly’s front gate.
Other terms outlined by the police emphasize that no derogatory or inflammatory remarks should be made during the protest to avoid any disruptions to public order. The letter warned that any violation of these conditions could lead to the revocation of the permit and possible criminal prosecution.
The police further stated that security will be provided for the event, with CP Banjul assigned to coordinate the necessary arrangements. The Coalition of Progressive Gambians, led by Chairperson Seedy Cham, is advised to work closely with security personnel to ensure a peaceful and well-organized event.
The protest permit, granted under the watch of the Inspector General of Police, is another test of the Gambia Police Force’s commitment to upholding citizens’ right to peaceful assembly while maintaining public order.
