Gambia’s president Adama Barrow extends the state of public emergency to 21 days.

His declaration comes days after the National Assembly overruled the government’s motion to extend the restrictions measures by 45 days.

But The Gambia’s constitution gives the president the powers to declare a state of public emergency if needed for public safety or security grounds. 

In a televised address on Tuesday night President Barrow said:”I have invoked the powers confered on me by section 34(6) of the 1997 Constitution to further declare that proclamation published in the gazette effective today 19th of May 2020 that the state of public emergency  continue to exist in the whole of The Gambia.

“I think the National Assembly is no longer in session instead of public emergency session last for 21 days in accordance with section 34 (2) of the constitution.” 

The president also said he has issued all emergency regulations force be reinstated to help contain the spread of coronavirus. 

He urged the public to adhere to the regulations in helping to fight against Covid-19.

The Gambia has recorded 24 Covid-19 cases with 9 recoveries, and 1 death.

Thousands of Gambians have been affected by the impact of the virus, as many of them live below the poverty line.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba