The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has reportedly retracted security personnel assigned to all magistrates in The Gambia, with the exception of Principal Magistrates. According to sources, this decision has led to plans for a possible sit-down strike by magistrates.
A magistrate, speaking to Kerr Fatou on condition of anonymity, revealed that the withdrawal was deemed necessary by the IGP’s office to tackle manpower shortages and improve border security in light of the country’s porous borders. The change also reportedly impacts all former vice presidents and specific politicians who were previously assigned security personnel.
“Last Friday, the Magistrates convened with the Chief Justice, yet the outcome of the meeting remains uncertain,” our source stated.
Cadet ASP Modou Musa Sisawo, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that officers assigned to magistrates have been withdrawn, but he refrained from commenting on the situation regarding former vice presidents and political figures.
“I can confirm that the news regarding the withdrawal of officers attached to magistrates is accurate, but I do not have any updates concerning the former vice presidents and political figures.”
