Inspector General of Police Seedy Muktarr Touray has said that any demonstrations without permission will be met with a response from security forces. This comes as the government tries to control rising unrest caused by power outages.
At a press conference held at the Police Intervention Unit headquarters in Kanifing on Thursday Touray made it clear that his warning is in effect. Touray said people must get approval before organizing any protests.
From this moment on no one can protest without an approved permit Touray said. Any demonstration without authorization will be handled firmly and without hesitation Touray added.
Touray reminded citizens that the Constitution protects the right to assembly. Touray added that this right comes with rules that keep safety and national security intact.
Touray pointed to the Public Order Act, which sets the rules for when and where protests can happen. The Act requires permits, specifies routes and controls timing.
Touray’s statement follows protests tied to electricity blackouts. In some places these gatherings turned violent. Authorities reported acts of vandalism looting and attacks on buildings.
Touray said some of the protests went far. Touray cited damage to the Farato Police Post, the freeing of detained individuals and assaults on facilities. Touray also said money was taken from those locations.
Touray said police have arrested an 18‑year‑old suspect linked to the Farato incident.
Touray announced a joint security operation starting Thursday night. Security forces will be deployed to protect lives, property and key national infrastructure.
Touray said the goal is not to stop people from voicing their concerns. Instead the goal is to prevent violence, destruction and theft.
Touray told officers involved to act with restraint. Touray said any use of force should match the situation.
Touray also asked community leaders, parents and political figures to speak out against people joining nighttime protests.
When asked if Senegalese and Nigerian troops from ECOMIG would take part in the operation Touray said Gambian security forces would lead it. Touray said ECOMIG personnel would not be directly involved.
Touray called ECOMIG a security partner. ECOMIG presence helps keep the country safe. Touray made clear ECOMIG would stay out of the operation.
Touray said Gambian laws apply to everyone whether citizens or foreigners. Anyone suspected of crime will face investigation and legal action.
Touray urged the public to stay calm and follow the law. Touray said peace and stability depend on all of us.
This message comes as anger over power cuts keeps rising. The government and security officials now face a challenge: upholding order while respecting peoples right, to peaceful protest.
