PPP leader blames incidents at protests on frustration, excessive power and poverty

Papa Njie, the secretary general and party leader of People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has said that the recent incidents that marred the protests in Brikama and Bijilo are caused by frustration, excessive use of power and poverty.

Mr. Njie made these remarks  during a press conference following the postponement of his party’s election of regional executive members on Friday, July 26, 2019 at Parochial Hall, 9 Daniel Godad (Hagan) Street, Banjul.

It could be recalled that residents of West Coast Region protested against Brikama Area Council and other protests took place at Serrekunda and Bijilo near the office of Anti-Crime Unit (ACU) following the death of one Ousman Darboe allegedly mishandled by ACU) officers.

Properties were vandalized, protesters arrested and beaten by police, resulting in injuries.

Need for dialogue
On the recent fracas between protesters and the security officers, Njie said there should be dialogue and good communication between the security forces and the public.

He said the right to demonstrate peacefully must be understood, saying permit should be granted with security escort for the demonstrators.

He noted that the difference between demonstration and riot should also be understood, stressing that people cannot demonstrate without a permit as they should not take the law into their own hands.

He called on the authorities to follow the due process so that justice would be served, opining that the policeman who stabbed a young man should be arrested and face justice,

He said a PPP government will consult, include and create sustainable spaces for the youth to excel and grow to take care of themselves and their families.

According to the PPP leader, youth of this country are faced with a lot of challenges, adding that they are attending school and graduating without jobs coupled with limited access to higher education due to high cost.

He elucidated that young people would not be able to have job experience when they have no employment opportunities.Papa said this very significant category of society has no hope of moving out of their current situation because no one is listening to them.

He said government, civil society and NGOs should work hard to improve on the poor coordination of youth led interventions.

He pointed out there is also none involvement or lack of consultation with youth in programmes and policy making.

He highlighted the inadequate civic education, mismatch between future workforce demand and the national development agenda.

The way forward
Njie said youth must be mainstreamed in all government policies across sectors by prioritising them for maximum impact.

He called for the linkage between national outputs to future job demand, effective civic education with specific focus on understanding of the constitution, governance, roles of the different arms of government, establishment of security training college and investment in security technology.

He underscored the need for complete reforms with special emphasis on electoral, constitutional (Public Act Order), security and the civil service.

“At the end of the day, we all want a peaceful and stable Gambia where everyone, both young and old have enabling space to excel.

He said all sector and government policies are interrelated and interdependent, emphasizing the need for a holistic, prioritized and sustainable approach to development.

He also said roles of the Banjul Regional Committee to be elected when nominations are confirmed is to organize, coordinate activities in Banjul, make recommendations to the secretariat, submit reports, statements of accounts and support established working communities.

“Other working committee comprise of Elders Committee; Women and Children committee; Youth, Sports and Culture Committee; Propaganda and Social Committee; Media and Communication Committee; and Fundraising and Finance committees,” he concluded.

The Monitor

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