Gambia minister warns against treasonous march on State House

Information Minister Dr Ismaila Ceesay has supported President Adama Barrow’s warning to a lawmaker against leading young people towards State House at night, describing the potential action as dangerous and reckless. Ceesay stated on a television program that such a march could be interpreted as an attempt to commit treason, a crime punishable by death in The Gambia. He emphasized that while citizens have the right to protest legally, approaching the highly secured presidential residence, especially with children reportedly as young as 10 to 15 years old, carries serious security implications.

The minister suggested that alternative public locations like McCarthy Square or the Arch would be more appropriate for expressing grievances. He clarified that the president's warning was directed at anyone considering similar actions, not just the specific lawmaker. Ceesay commended the security personnel at the Office of the President for their restraint during a related incident, noting that a different response could have escalated the situation.

Dr Ceesay asserted the government's responsibility to maintain law and order, cautioning citizens against actions that could jeopardize security around the presidential residence. He stressed that State House is the nation's most secure building and that organizing a march towards it under the described circumstances differs significantly from a lawful demonstration at a designated public space.

Why it mattersThe government's warning affects citizens who might consider protesting near the State House, as such actions could be interpreted as treason.

Sources