Gambian protesters in New York
By Buba Gagigo
Lamin Sillah, a Gambian residing in New York, has confirmed to Kerr Fatou that he and other Gambians in the city plan to stage a protest against President Adama Barrow during his upcoming speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Among their key concerns and demands are the call for the reinstatement of the 2020 draft constitution, addressing the alleged mismanagement of public funds, and highlighting the 10 billion CFA debt owed by NAWEC to Senegal’s Senelec.
President Barrow, who is expected to arrive in New York today (Monday) after traveling from Saudi Arabia, will be attending the UNGA.
“We are prepared to protest against President Adama Barrow. I am leading the protest (Lamin Sillah). One of the reasons we are embarking on this is to show the president our dissatisfaction with the way they threw away the 2020 draft constitution and brought their own book. That book will only empower Barrow when it becomes a law. So we are not happy about that move,” Sillah said.
Sillah also raised concerns about the handling of public resources under Barrow’s administration and ongoing issues with electricity in The Gambia.
“We all have heard that we owe Senegal 10 billion CFA. People are paying for electricity which is pay-as-you-go but they still owe Senegal that huge amount of money. We are very disappointed and I think is time for Gambians to come out and show Barrow that we are not happy. Also among the reasons for our protest is Barrow’s announcement that he’s going for a 3rd term. All the countries are doing away with 3rd term so we believe Barrow contesting for 3rd term is not good for the country. So we are calling on all Gambians in New York to come and join us,” he said.
The UNGA High-Level Week and the Summit of the Future will take place from September 22 to 30, 2024, gathering world leaders, government delegations, policymakers, experts, and civil society advocates to address pressing global issues.