The Gambian commercial city of Serrekunda and the regional city of Brikama have been hit by strikes Wednesday over the death of a market vendor at Serrekunda market and failure by government to deliver adequate public goods and services to the people of West Coast Region.
Serrekunda, over one thousand market people marched to the Serrekunda Police in protest over the death of Ousman Darboe, who protesters claim was killed by the Anti-Crime Unit of the Gambia Police.
According to the protesters, Darboe was arrested on 14th July 2019 by the Unit tortured to death.
Protesters in Bursubi, were also trying to marched towards Serrekunda to reinforce their colleagues, but Police fired teargas.
In Brikama, protesters are demanding the resignation of officials of the Brikama Area Council for their failure to deliver adequate, quality and efficient public goods and services to the people.
Protesters said the poor hygienic conditions in markets across the region and the poor roads as well as the limited utility services provided by the Council deserves public outcry.
“The Brikama Area Council has not been transparent to the people of West Coast Region by telling them the amount of revenue it collects and how much it invests back to the people.
The people of West Coast Region have a right to protest against the leadership and management of Brikama Area Council,” Madi Jobarteh, a human rights activist noted.
In the same development, the office of the Inspector General of Police said it has received disturbing information about a mob of angry youth marching towards the Anti-Crime Unit to protest the demise of Ousman Darboe. The Office of the IGP calls on the youth to observe calm and restraint.
According to a statement, made available to PANA, the Police said Ousman Darboe’s name came up during investigations into a breaking and stealing incident that occurred at Kerr Serign on 14th July 2019.
Suspects in the said case confessed selling items stolen from the Kerr Serign incident to Ousman Darboe.
The statement further said investigators visited his shop at Serrekunda market where a Flat Screen television, part of the stolen items, was recovered.
“On The 12th July 2019, he was arrested and charged with receiving stolen properties, contrary to the laws of the Gambia. On Monday, the 15th of July 2019, he was granted bail within 72 hours as specified by law and was subsequently reporting on bail,” the statement pointed out.
The statement revealed that Ousman Darboe, during his detention, was said to be an Asthma patient as shown by medical papers tendered by his family which prompted his bail.
“The Inspector General’s Office assures the public that it will continue the probe into the death of Ousman Darboe and the outcome will be duly communicated to ascertain the cause of death. In this regard, the public is urged to maintain the peace and security of the country,” the statement noted.