Solo Sandeng Foundation condemns violation of rights and attempt to muzzle the media

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Solo Sandeng Foundation (SSF) has Monday condemned the recent act of the Gambia government through the police meted on protesters of pressure group 3 Years Jotna and the arrest of several members of the press, radio journalists followed by the closing of their respective radio stations on January 26, 2020.

The foundation established in memory of Solo Sandeng, the man who stood his ground in The Gambia by leading a peaceful demonstration demanding for electoral reforms in the country on April 14, 2016 which led to his arrest with colleagues and as a result alleged torture he died in custody of National Intelligence Agency (NIA)

The SSF like other groups concerned about human rights issued a statement, stating that the right to peaceful assembly, freedom of speech and expression as well as free media are fundamental part of our democratization process which we must observe with leniency to ensure the greater good of protecting rights of citizens regardless of their political sentiments.

They reminded the Adama Barrow led government that yesterday’s events reminds one only of the dark days of Yahya Jammeh’s dictatorial reign which was characterized by gross heavy handedness towards voices of dissent especially peaceful protesters and journalists that made many to have collective detest and urge to end his rule in 2016.

Fatoumatta Sandeng, the president of the foundation, daughter to the late Solo Sandeng and signatory to the statement said:” We called on the government to consider more sustainable efforts in executing its responsibilities. We also urge the government to conduct a fair and independent investigation into the events of 26 January to establish causes of violence, unconditionally release all detainees and reopen the closed radio stations and embark on robust security sector reform process.”