Henry Gomez has criticised a group of activists planning to stage a protest next week, describing them as troublemakers. 

Gomez, a presidential youth adviser, said the group is “political and that there are people pushing” them to hold such protest in the country.

“Let us change the mindsets, you wanting to be a president does not make you a president. Let us put aside demonstration issue and maintain the peace and stability in the country,” he said.

The group, Coalition of Progressives, said the protest will be peaceful and is aimed at expressing their dissatisfaction with the economic crisis in the country.

In a statement the group said: “We call for a massive peaceful protest scheduled on Friday 11th November 2022, to show our outrage against the daily hikes of fuel cost, basic food, and other essential commodity prices. 

“We believe that denying people to raise their concerns about corruption democratically in the country will fuel more corruption. 

“We cannot afford any mistake again that could lead us to another dictatorship, the outcome of which will be a disaster for all of us.”

The group said it will proceed with the plan demonstration even if the police denied them permit. 

However, Mr Gomez said the protest will not address the economic challenges facing the country. 

“The Gambia deserve more than demonstration. I undersatand that there are people who started buying food in stock ahead of the 11 November. Which peaceful and correct human being will do that?

“All those talking about demonstration will not come out. I am a living witness. All those who planned the 3 years Jotna were not on the street during the demonstration,” he said.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba