Standoff in Gambia.
Cordeg is aware of the on-going standoff between UDP and Security forces in the North Bank Division of Gambia.
The UDP is a legitimate registered political party with a large support base among Gambians and a constituent member of CORDEG.
For 3 days running, Gambian security forces have blocked the UDP convoy on a countrywide tour to which they are legally and constitutionally entitled.
The Gambia constitution does not require a bona fide registered political party to obtain police permission before touring to hold rallies, unless where a public address system is to be used. The UDP was subjected to a politically- driven police delay tactics to refuse authorization for use of a public address system. UDP ignored this and proceeded on their nationwide tour to hold rallies and were blocked on the roadside by Gambian security forces, undoubtedly under orders from the Gambian dictator yahya Jammeh,despite any denials.
We unequivocally condemn this act of blatant disregard for the Law, and equally condemn the Gambia government for this act of sheer banditry and disregard for the rights of others.
We hold Jammeh personally responsible for any unsavoury outcome in this on-going saga, and encourage all other political parties and civil society organisations in Gambia and in the diaspora to rally in support of the defiance, and courage showed by the UDP leadership in the party’s quest to proceed with their legitimate right of assembly.
Gambians the world over are following this unwarranted act of thuggery and lawlessness, perpetrated by none other than Yahya Jammeh and his security forces. We encourage every Gambian to lend support to the UDP and other political parties to confront tyranny and end dictatorship.
We will continue to monitor the standoff while lending support to the UDP and other Political parties to go about their legitimate business anywhere in Gambia, and exercise their right of assembly.
Aib Jobe………. Secretary General CORDEG