The celebration by loyalists of exiled former President Yahya Jammeh was reportedly cut short on Friday after police disrupted the activity and made arrests.

A small group staged a roadshow on Friday, tying green flags on poles to mark Jammeh’s planned homecoming.

However, reports indicate that four participants were arrested and detained by police. The reason for their alleged detention has not yet been officially confirmed.

Attempts by Gambiana to contact the police for comment were unsuccessful, as the force’s spokesperson did not respond to calls.

Jammeh, who has been living in exile in Equatorial Guinea, announced last month that he intends to return home, warning that no one can stop him.

President Adama Barrow, however, responded by saying Jammeh is free to return but must face justice.

Last week, a letter seen by Gambiana revealed that Jammeh wrote to President Barrow, the Speaker of the National Assembly, ECOWAS, the AU, and the UN, urging them to honor a purported agreement signed in 2017 before he was forced into exile. In the letter, Jammeh promised to respect the country’s laws and ensure a smooth homecoming that would not disrupt peace and stability.

Some political commentators have expressed concerns that Jammeh’s return could jeopardize the country’s peace.

Jammeh faces allegations of gross human rights violations during his 22 years in power in The Gambia.

By Adama Makasuba