United Democratic Party has issued a statement calling for an independent investigation into the Sanyang incident.
The party’s call comes as violent protest erupted in Sanyang village on Monday after Gibril Ceesay was stabbed to death by an alleged thief. The angry youth then burnt down the town’s police station and the Chinese-own fishmeal plant.
“It is with great sadness and trepidation that we have learnt about the tragic killing of Gibril Ceesay, a Sanyang native, as a result of an alleged robbery attempt. The United Democratic Party extends sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and prays for the speedy recovery of all those injured in the process. The party calls for calm and demands that an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation by the government be conducted into the alleged incident as well as the resulting upheaval.
“The party further appeals to the youths of Sanyang, and Kombo South in general, to express their grievances in a peaceful manner and to allow the law to take its course. This isn’t always easy to do, but it is the best way to ensure that peace prevails and true justice is carried out. Incidents elsewhere teach us that the security forces must always exercise restraint and be mindful of basic rights in carrying out their duties.
“In the same vein, the government must sincerely address the root causes of these violent events to prevent recurrences. As it is obvious that these issues are beyond Sanyang, it must revisit the findings and recommendations of commissions which addressed the many challenges currently facing The Gambia’s coastal communities. Bold and progressive decisions must finally be taken with a view to providing jobs to the country’s youth and women, while at the same time protecting our environment and natural resources from unregulated exploitation,” the party said in a statement.
