(VoaNews) – Activists across West Africa held protests Tuesday on the 20th anniversary of President Yahya Jammeh’s seizure of power to raise awareness about what they call Gambia’s “dire” human rights situation. Human rights groups are demanding the Gambian government put an end to alleged repression, torture and forced disappearances. 

  (Reuters) – Gambia has taken steps to improve its poor human-rights record after the European Union suspended 150 million euros in development aid this year, activists said on Tuesday, urging tougher action by the international community. 

  The Gambian government must abolish the laws and iron fisted practices that have resulted in two decades of widespread human rights violations, Amnesty International said as it joined forces with other human rights groups for a global day of action marking 20 years since President Jammeh’s seizure of power.