US Embassy in Gambia alerts citizens amid protests

The US embassy in Banjul has issued a travel alert to its citizens following the public demonstrations held in The Gambia on Wednesday.

The US embassy said Social media and press reports indicate that gathering points include, but are not limited to, the following areas in the Kombo Metro Area; Serrekunda Market, Bijilo, Brikama town center and market,  Westfield, Senegambia, Brusubi/Brufut and  Greater Serrekunda Metro Area.

“We are monitoring reports of demonstrations in Brikama and Serrekunda.  Social Media posts indicate that demonstrators from Serrekunda will march toward Bijilo. Reports say that protests are moving fast and other areas may be affected.U.S. government personnel are advised to avoid those areas during the morning and afternoon hours, the statement said.

The embassy warns US citizens to avoid the areas of the demonstrations and exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.

The  Gambian commercial city of Serrekunda and the regional city of Brikama have been hit by strikes on 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.

According to the Gambia Red Society sources, over 50 people have been injured in Brikama and over 30 have been arrested.

It is also revealed that the home of the Commander of the Anti-Crime Unit of the Gambia Police Force, Gorigi Mboob, has been burnt down by protesters.