A former Gambian member of parliament has called for the scrapping of permit from the police to stage a protest.

It’s illegal under Gambian laws to stage any form of protest without seeking a permit from The Gambia Police Force. 

But some anti-government groups have been denied a permit to hold protest – after the police cited national security reasons.

Recently, a Gambian pressure group known as Coalition of Progressive Gambians suspended their November 11 protest following negotiations led by the Supreme Islamic Council. 

The group, which was seeking to protest against rising costs of living and corruption under Barrow government, was initially denied a permit by the office of the Inspector General of Police. 

However, Omar Ceesay who lost his seat in the national assembly in last parliamentary elections for Niamina East told Gambiana exclusively: “this seeking permit from the police means that the people have to seek authorisation from the government before they can hold a peaceful protest to express their feelings and concerns.

“This law of seeking permit from the police to hold demonstration should be scrapped.”

According to Mr Ceesay, people should only inform the right authorities before staging a peaceful demonstration.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba