Gambia: Police Arrest Opposition Leader Femi Peters!!!

By Staff  Reporter Lamin Touray, Banjul

United Democratic Party Propaganda Secretary Femi Peters,  was picked up by the police yesterday, following his party’s failure to secure police permit to convene political rally in the commercial city of Serre-Kunda, the Freedom Newspaper has been reliably informed. Peters turned over himself to the police when approached without any incident. He is being investigated on allegations of what police called “ breaching public peace.”, even though the UDP leadership maintains that it is their constitutional right to hold such political rallies.

The police had earlier turned down a request made by the opposition UDP to convene rally in Serre-Kunda. The party went in defiance by holding what many here described as the most successful political rally ever held by the UDP.

The Police are yet to file any charges against Mr. Peters, who is an arch critic of President Yahya Jammeh. Peters is likely to be released on bail Monday, sources said.

UDP leader Ousainou Darboe, during his speech at the well attended rally decried the misrule taking place in the impoverished West African country. Darboe lambasted the Jammeh administration saying that this Government is unfit to preside over the affairs of the state. He cites the country’s unfinished human rights atrocities perpetrated by the regime, abject poverty, and massive unemployment threatening the lives of  Gambians.

Mr. Darboe also take  a swept at the GRTS , saying that the media institution is doing a disservice to the nation.  He questions the sincerity, and patriotism of the GRTS leadership headed by Momodou Sanyang.  Darboe believes that the GRTS is not living up to the expectations of Gambians, as there is no diversity in terms of independent opinions. That the opposition is being marginalized, and that GRTS has been reduced to a Government propaganda tool.

Mr. Darboe had earlier challenged the police to pursue him in the event they were interested in arresting him. He unequivocally told the police that his party would not condone nonsense from them anymore. Mr. Darboe said permit, or no permit, the UDP will continue to convene its political rallies. He says they will not negotiate on issues relating to their right to free association, and expression.

Mr. Darboe  left the rally escorted by jubilant party supporters to his residence.  He  was not only focused, but confident looking.  He assured his supporters that no amount of state intimidation would make them abdicate their constitutional responsibilities as party leaders. 

A top security chief told this reporter that they were given instructions to arrest Darboe, but following a careful observation of  the situation, they decided to change their mind.

“ Femi Peters was not the primary target in this operation. Instructions were given for Darboe’s arrest, but following a careful evaluation of the situation, we thought  that it is not in the country’s best  interest to arrest him because his supporters might retaliate angrily, which could disturb the peace,” said a police source.