The
Gambia government has announced that Pa Modou Bojang, the proprietor of
Brikama-based Home Digital Fm and Gibbi Jallow, the manager of King FM are
helping the police in their investigations as it closed the two private radio
stations run by the duo.
“The
Gambia Government urges all citizens and members of the public to stay away
from these stations,” a news release from the Office of Government’s
Spokesperson indicated.
“The
Gambia Government also announces the suspension of Brikama-based Home Digital
FM and Tallinding Kunjang-based King FM radio stations pending the outcome of
police investigations that these stations violated their licenses. Government
notes with concern that the two FM stations have demonstrated notoriety for
peddling incendiary messages and allowed their media to be used as platforms
for inciting violence, fear-mongering and live broadcasts urging Gambians to
join Jotna demonstrators all calculated to threaten the security and safety of
The Gambia.”
“The
Gambia Government renders Operation 3-Years Jotna, a subversive, violent and
illegal Movement and hereby bans the movement from ever operating within the
shores of The Gambia.”
“Members
of the public are hereby notified that in fact, the Jotna Movement was never
legally registered but Government in exercise of its openness and adherence to
the democratic rights of citizens, allowed them to operate so long as their
activities were consistent with the law.”
“Tonight,
The Gambia Government wishes to inform citizens, members of the public, the
Diplomatic and Consular Corps that Operation 3-Years Jotna is rendered a
subversive, violent and an illegal Movement that has all the attributes of a
subversive cliche determined to illegally unseat the constitutionally elected
Government of President Adama Barrow and is therefore, banned forthwith,” the
government announced yesterday amid the violent protest.
“Therefore,
citizens and businesses or other groups and entities that are seen to be aiding
and abetting the activities of this illegal enterprise are warned to
immediately cease their relationship(s). Henceforth, any person, Radio Station,
business or group that chooses to do business with Operation 3-Years Jotna and
or promotes their agenda will be in violation of this pronouncement and will
face severe consequences.”
“The
Gambia Government also announces that police have arrested some 137 people
among them, Executive members. Some are in hiding while others are attempting
to flee the jurisdiction. Regional Governors, Chiefs and local district
authorities are urged to report any suspects to the nearest police station and
the public is warned that it is a violation of the law to harbor any fugitives
from justice.”
The
Gambia Government regrets to report that while there were no fatalities, some
people sustained non-life threatening injuries among them 18 paramilitary
officers and 7 civilians, most of whom have since been discharged.
Accordingly,
The Gambia Government urges all citizens and residents to remain calm and law
abiding as the situation is under total control. The audio messages and false
reports trending on social media about fatalities is all propaganda as not a
single person died during the demonstration.
