(JollofNews) – The Government of the Gambia will set up a commission to investigate last Friday’s clash in Kanilai between residents of Foni and officers of the Senegal led military intervention force in the Gambia (Ecomig).
This was revealed to JollofNews by Demba Jawo, Information, Communication and Technology minister.
According to Mr Jawo, the commission will look at a number of issues including the circumstances of the death of Haruna Jatta as well as the circumstances that led to the demonstration.
Jatta, 54, was killed and six others were injured when soldiers barricaded the road and fired what is believed to be live ammunition at the protesters who were demanding an end to the militarisation of their community.
Mr Jawo said the government is determined to get to the root of the matter in order to help prevent a similar situation from happening in future.
Opposition parties have criticised the shooting of the protesters which they described as an unnecessary show of force by the soldiers.
But Interior minister Mai Ahmad Fatty has accused the protesters some of whom he said were from Casamance of taking traditional weapons to the demonstration and engaging in provocative acts against members of the security forces.
However, both the demonstrators and independent witnesses have denied the allegation, describing it as completely unfounded.
13 protesters who were arrested by police have already been charged with unlawful assembly, incitement of violence, riot and conspiracy to commit misdemeanor. They were each given a D500,000 court bail by Magistrate Cham of the Brikama court.
My congratulations to President Barrow and to Mr Demba Jawo for doing what we all felt was necessary; One hopes the truth will guide the future course of Gambian politics. My condolences to Mr Jatta’s family and friends and to all who were affected.
As I said earlier the new government should not allowed the same mistake that of jammehs, we believed in justice and rule of law.
Definitely the right decision, and one that will win trust. I hope the process is expedited to achieve a speedy conclusion, from which valuable lessons can be learnt.
One thing is certain: Gambia cannot go back to the old way of doing things and no amount of pointing to the wrongs of the past will make the wrongs of the present acceptable to many.
The sooner apologists and blind supporters of the new administration realise this, the better for us all.
Well done to the government for taking a bold and courageous step.
Mike
It’s democracy at infancy; lest the baby is hastily thrown away with the birth &/ bathwater…
Those who have the ability to digest analytically can realise Gambia can & will always get better…
No one can &/ will be allowed to spill innocent blood & lives with impunity in Gambia anymore…
There’s hope on the horizon for better; Insha Allah…
Bajaw; Infancy/ mistakes/ and bravery from President Barrow to do the right thing;
When people start talking about rebellion and war, this only demoralises the One Nation objective; Gambians can and must regain forward momentum and the UDP must aim to be a fully inclusive party for all people without favour. Those who still find support for Jammeh must not be given cause or allowed entry through the back door. We plead for truth and leadership with calm heads and peaceful transitional progress.
Stay in the mainstream my friend.
Sure; can’t agree more Mike; inclusivity indeed, is the word on all & everyone’s lips, hearts, minds & efforts; & must strive to be maintained everytime at all costs; for Gambians were are collectively; & Gambians we shall remain anywhere we are; at home &/ abroad…
You’re indeed one of our very own Mikey; stay blessed…
Ameen.
Rectification
Gambians we are…
Meant to say – thanking you.