Police have denied a pressure group called ‘Coalition of Progressive Gambians’ a protest permit, following their application on 23rd August 2022.
The group applied for a permit to hold a ‘massive peaceful protest’ on 11th November 2022 against the surge in the cost of fuel, basic food and other essential commodities, but the police refused to grant their request, citing security reasons.
“The office of the Inspector General of Police acknowledges receipt of your missive ref: Permit/20/11/2022 dated 23rd August 2022 in relation to the aforementioned subject (Re: Application for Permit To Hold Peaceful National Demonstration). Accordingly, the office writes to inform you that your request cannot be granted at the moment in time, based on security reasons. The office anticipates your cooperation and understanding in the matter,” the Police stated in a letter dated 25th August 2022 as replied to the group’s application for a protest permit.
Coalition of Progressive Gambians is an open pressure group working hard to ensure that the views and values (Accountability & Transparency) of the Gambian people are respected, part of its permit application stated.
The group that refers to itself, “voice of the voiceless”, believes that denying people a permit to raise their concerns about corruption democratically in the country will fuel more corruption.
Among others; the Coalition of Progressive Gambians is demanding the President Barrow with his government to immediately address the price hike of fuel, food, and other essential commodities in the country; as well as demanding him (President Barrow ) to establish a commission to investigate the ‘illegal’ opening of the special security account, and the misused of public funds amounting to D669 millions without following procurement procedures mentioned in the NAO audit report.
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