By Sainabou Gassama
Madi Jobarteh, a human rights activist, has called on the Inspector General of Police to take disciplinary action on two of his men who are seen in a viral video celebrating violence against the supporters of the United Democratic Party.
According to him, “the IGP must take urgent disciplinary measures against these two police officers in this video. The actions of these two police officers are unbecoming as they are provocative and unprofessional. The Police Officers must not glorify violence or take law into their own hands but rather maintain law and order. These officers should face accountability and should never be part of any crowd control, especially in demonstrations and riots because they have vividly expressed their force to harm citizens.”
“The claim of the use of tear gas at Darboe’s house should be investigated to determine the circumstances and ensure accountability. The IGP should not only take action against these officers, but also carry out a full investigation on their actions on this day around Osainou Darboe’s compound. Tear gas is not meant to be used in homes or enclosed spaces,” he added.
Meanwhile, he also called on the UDP to also “take a quick action against a man who released an audio massage in UDP Santanba Kafo Forum calling for violence and genocide and the use of Molotov bombs in The Gambia.”
“UDP must take action against this man by identifying and dismissing him from their party, his message is tantamount to terrorism and he must be charged accordingly. There is no justification for this released audio message, lawyer Darboe and any other candidate has a right to petition the election results. No one has the right to use violence just because you are not happy or do not agree with the court,” he said.
“Until we ensure accountability, we cannot end sectarianism, abuse and indiscipline in this society.” Gambia’s fundamental problem is not tribalism, poverty or ignorance but lack of accountability across the state and society. One has to seek accountability first if you want justice, development, peace, equality and respect for human rights and good governance in The Gambia,” he noted.
