ECOMIG assures Gambians of safety, security

The ECOWAS mission in the Gambia (ECOMIG) on Thursday assured Gambians of their safety and security as it works in tandem with Gambia Armed Forces and other stakeholders

The regional force declaration follows the shooting of Ismaila Tamba, a driver at a military checkpoint in Kanilai, the home village of ex- and exiled Gambian leader, Yahya Jammeh.

The soldier was shot for allegedly refusing to stop his vehicle for inspection.

In a statement, made available to the Voice and signed by ECOMIG acting force commander, Col. Abubakar A. Bello, the organization stated that the mission monitored reports and several concerns raised in respect of the alleged shooting of a driver (Ismaila Tamba) by a GAF soldier at a checkpoint in Kanilai Village last Sunday.

“The ECOWAS Mission urged the general public to remain calm and exercise maximum restraint while GAF conducts its thorough investigative process in order to come out with positive measures to avert a re-occurrence of this isolated incident.

As part of the ECOMIG Mandate, the Mission further assures the populace that ECOMIG will continue to work in harmony with GAF, the Police and other security agencies to ensure peace and stability for Gambians to go about their normal duties without any fear and concerns about their safety,” the statement said.

The statement added: “Once again, the ECOWAS Mission wishes the best of recovery to Ismaila Tamba and assures the public of their security and safety as it works in consonance with GAF and other stakeholders to ensure peace and stability in the country.”