Planned demonstrations and
rumors of protests including political rallies during the course of the New
Year has compelled certain European governments to urge its nationals to be
‘‘cautious’’ while visiting The Gambia.
Already the United Kingdom
government is advising its citizens travelling to the country to ‘‘avoid large
gatherings in public areas, monitor local media for up-to date information as
well as to follow advice of local authorities due to reports of planned
demonstrations during January 2020’’.
Information seen by The Point
also confirms that certain information is also delivered via various travel agencies.
Even though most of the
European countries including the UK maintain that visits to The Gambia are
‘‘trouble free’’, it indicates that ‘‘independent travelers are at increased
risk due to lack of local support in an emergency’’.
Consequently, the UK
government stressed that there has been ‘‘an increase in the number and
frequency of protests in The Gambia, primarily in the Kombo districts’’.
It also noted that due to
‘‘reports of planned political demonstrations which may take place during
January 2020…You should avoid large gatherings in public areas… monitor local
media for up-to-date information and follow the advice of local authorities’’.
Tourists and other visitors
who are travelling independently are told to ‘‘make sure next of kin in the UK
have details of your itinerary and keep in regular touch’’.
The issue of checkpoints are
also addressed and travelers are reminded that ‘‘there are a number of
checkpoints operating in and around the capital Banjul…expect your vehicle to
be searched if you’re stopped by security forces’’.
Travelers are also urged to
be ‘‘vigilant’’ and take care when using the ferry between Banjul and Barra; as
well as swimming in the sea ‘‘because tides, waves and under currents can all
be very strong’’.
Author: Alhagie Mbye, The Point’s Europe
Correspondent
