By Buba Gagigo
The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG) has voiced strong disapproval of the recent arrests of demonstrators who were advocating for improved ferry services between Banjul and Barra.
Expressing solidarity with affected individuals and those exercising their civic rights, CoPG denounced the actions of security forces in apprehending protesters who were peacefully voicing their concerns.
“Following the recently called-off protests by disgruntled commuters and passengers using the ferry services from Banjul to Barra, the Coalition of Progressive Gambians wishes to convey their solidarity with the people affected and those who wanted to express their civic rights and also condemn the move by the security forces to arrest those who came to protest without ill will but to express their rights and voice out their problems,” CoPG said.
Furthermore, the CoPG reminded the government, National Assembly, and security forces of the aspirations behind the rallying call of “NEVER AGAIN” and the pursuit of transformative change. The group stressed the imperative for a comprehensive overhaul, including the repeal of the 1997 constitution and the Public Order Act, to ensure a meaningful shift away from past oppressive regimes.
Drawing attention to President Adama Barrow’s promises in 2016 regarding systemic reform, particularly regarding the Public Order Act, the CoPG lamented the apparent reluctance to fulfill these commitments. They urged the government to honor its pledges to both the domestic populace and international stakeholders by abolishing laws that have historically facilitated human rights violations.
“Gambians never expected to slide back into the oppressive and brutal regime that led this country for two decades. The total repeal of the 1997 constitution and the Public Order Act, must be the basis of a reliable system change. It’s rather unfortunate that the issues that President Adama Barrow put to the Gambians in 2016 included a total overhaul of the system particularly the Public Order Act which was the cause of a lot of human rights violations in the country, the deposing of the former president and the election of President Adama Barrow to office. Therefore, if Gambians were treated with honesty and respect, this Public Order Act would have been in the trash. The government needs to be reminded of the pledges to the international community and organisations to repeal the Public Order Act, in their effort to erase the negative policies that traumatized a lot of Gambians,” they said.
Additionally, the CoPG called upon the government, specifically the Ministry of Interior and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), to cease the intimidation and arrest of citizens exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly. They questioned the necessity for such measures if accountability and transparency are indeed prevailing principles.
In a digital age characterized by widespread access to information, the CoPG emphasized the futility of attempting to conceal corruption. They highlighted a growing awareness among Gambians regarding their rights and the issues shaping their future, citing recent electoral events as evidence of this heightened consciousness.
“If the government is on track, why the fear of people out to express their civic rights? If accountability and transparency are the order of the day, there would have been no need to fear for a peaceful protest. In the age of info technological advancement, only a fool thinks there are hideouts for corruption, as ignorance is a choice in this era. No more are Gambians ignorant of the current issues that affect and shape their future.
“The current global situations have rejuvenated consciousness in the minds of a good number of Gambians, and no longer will they be fiddled with intimidation and petty inducements. The National Assembly and Local Government Elections have attested to this. A lot of Gambians have been traumatized by the provisions of the Public Order Act and must be immediately repealed, as President Adama Barrow himself has experienced the intimidation of this Act,” they said.