Gambiaj.com – (BERLIN) – Transparency International has expressed deep concern over the recent arrests and ongoing police harassment of civil society advocates and activists in The Gambia. The arrests followed their attempt to peacefully voice concerns about ongoing delays and alleged corruption in the Gambia Ferry Service.

Marr Nyang, leader of the anti-corruption organization Gambia Participates, along with seven other advocates, were arrested and detained for seven hours at police headquarters in Banjul on 21 April 2024. They had planned a peaceful sit-down protest at the Arch Pavilion to voice concerns about ferry service disruption and alleged corruption.

Upon release on bail, the group was charged with misdemeanours including common nuisance, unlawful assembly, and disobeying lawful orders, charges they deny. They have also been asked to report to the police station every weekday until further notice.

The Gambia Ferry Service has allegedly been marred by corruption, contributing to negligence and poor management of vessels on the Banjul-Barra crossing. The poorly maintained state of the ferries has led to repeated delays, stranding passengers at sea for hours and resulting in deaths due to delayed access to medical care.

The activists applied for a permit to hold the protest but did not receive a response, prompting them to hold a sit-down protest instead. Despite complying with police orders to leave the Arch Pavilion, they were detained nearby. Four other activists were also arrested in Barra for protesting the ferry services.

The use of Section 5 of The Gambia’s Public Order Act to restrict public gatherings has been a longstanding issue, dating back to the regime of Yahya Jammeh.

This law, along with other provisions, contravenes national and international human rights standards, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which The Gambia is a party to.

Transparency International’s Regional Advisor for Africa, Samuel Kaninda, emphasized the importance of civil and political rights in maintaining healthy democracies. He urged the Gambian government to protect civil space and align the Public Order Act with human rights recommendations.

The arrests and harassment of civil society advocates raise concerns about the state of democracy and human rights in The Gambia, highlighting the need for reforms to protect freedom of expression and assembly.