Information Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay has called for peaceful engagement in addressing concerns raised by University of The Gambia students, following Monday’s protest at the university.

Speaking on West Coast Radio, Dr. Ceesay said he went to the university voluntarily after receiving a call from a member of staff who sought his intervention as tensions among students increased.

He said his decision to personally visit the campus was influenced by his 15 years of service at UTG and his relationship with students and staff.

He said he deliberately left his security detail behind and went to the campus in an effort to engage the students and help calm the situation.

According to Dr. Ceesay, the situation became difficult shortly after his arrival, as some students shouted at him, asked him to leave and threw stones at him.

While acknowledging the students’ frustrations over problems affecting their university experience, the minister said such concerns should be expressed through peaceful means.

He described the treatment he received as unacceptable, particularly given his longstanding connection with the university.

“As a state minister and as a former lecturer, what they did is unacceptable by any standard of civilized society,” Dr. Ceesay said, urging condemnation of violent conduct.

The minister, however, stressed that he did not consider the incident representative of the entire student population.

He said he subsequently received calls from students who expressed their disapproval of the treatment he received.

Dr. Ceesay also commended the police for exercising restraint during the confrontation, saying the situation could have escalated if greater force had been used.

Despite the incident, the minister said he remained sympathetic to the students’ concerns and accepted that public officials can face criticism when citizens are dissatisfied.

“I’m a politician, and if the citizens are not happy about something and they direct that anger and frustration at me, I will accept it. I know that is part of my job,” he said.

By Adama Makasuba