Opposition Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) leader Mamma Kandeh has calls for restraint, calm and law-abiding on both sides of the confrontation that hit Serrekunda and Brikama on Wednesday.
On Wednesday The Gambian commercial city of Serrekunda and the regional city of Brikama were hit by strikes 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.
In 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 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 also demands 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.
Kandeh expressed grave concern about current situation in the country and calls for restraint and calm.
He said that, he is extremely sad and sorry for the death of Mr Ousman Darboe a market vendor and in the same vein urged the protesters to resort to dialogue.
The GDC leader further extends his condolence to the family of the deceased and urged the authorities to conduct a swift and an impartial investigation on the incident.
Kandeh urged Gambians that the peace and stability of the nation rest entirely on Gambians calling for individual and collective responsibilities.
The GDC leader has decided to cut his overseas trip to return to the Gambia and play a pivotal role in the nation’s on-going reconciliation and transformation.