An opposition leader in the Gambia has warned the government of Adama Barrow to desist from all forms of brutality against the opposition.
Lawyer Ousainou Darboe of the United Democratic Party (UDP), said Gambians will resist any attempts to drag the country back to the era of state brutality and thuggery against political opponents.
“No government or force will ever subject Gambians to political brutality as it happened under the Jammeh regime,” Mr Darboe was quoted saying at a political meeting in Farafenni, North Bank Region.
According to the Standard Newspaper, Mr Darboe has warned that the momentum gained in the fight against abuse of office and unleashing of violence against people for political reasons will never be allowed again.
He said:“No one will be allowed to use his office or power to victimise people in this country again.
“The UDP and decent Gambians have also advocated and fought for district chiefs to stay away from politics because they are traditional and respected rulers.
“But unfortunately we are seeing those chiefs being used as propaganda tools to push the political agenda of the government exactly the opposite of what the new Gambia stands for. This is what we fought yesterday, but we are seeing the reoccurrence today in the country.”
Mr Darboe alleged that chiefs who were used as agents of brutalisation against UDP militants during the era of Yahya Jammeh are being reinstated by the government of President Barrow.
He warned the government that his party will continue with its efforts to win the hearts and souls of Gambians and will never be suppressed again.
He urged Gambians to unite and not to allow the individual sacrifices they made to free the country from Mr Jammeh’s 22-year rule to be in vain.
