By Lamin Cham
A leaked application for a permit to the Inspector General of Police by the Operation 3 Years Jotna, reveals they want to stage the much talked about demonstration on 16 December.
The group, which vowed to stage the protest against President Barrow’s apparent refusal to respect the Coalition MoU for a three-year term, intends to conduct the public procession from 10am to 5PM.
According to the application, the group intends to start the demo from Westfield through Serekunda and to the State House gate, where they will deliver a statement to President Barrow.
The group also reminded the IGP that they have a right to stage a peaceful demonstration under the laws of The Gambia.
Open seeing the letter, The Standard contacted a member of the 3 Years Jotna who confirmed the letter is authentic.
“We have nothing to hide. We have made it clear that we are not a clandestine movement but a serious minded group of people who want to inspire people to ask for honesty and trust in leadership. That day we will tell the President and the whole world that the Gambian people are not represented by lying and deceitful leaders. That Gambians will never allow leaders to ride on their backs and get away with it,” a member of the group said.
The Standard also contacted a seasoned politician, who observed that the tone of the letter suggests that the group actually is a peaceful body.
“And they do have the right to a peaceful protest which they made clear in the letter. It is now left for the law enforcement authorities to do their job independently and in accordance with the law. I can see no fuss or unnecessary alarm about this. I think all Gambians should be relieved now,” our analysts said.
