Police have said they won’t issue permits for political rallies in December and January as “it is the peak period for them to provide security to the general populace”.

The Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) party has already being denied permit to hold political rallies in Jimara and Tumana constituencies. 

A letter from the Inspector General of Police to the GDC party said: “This Office writes to inform you that it is currently constrain with personnel considering the demand to provide security to all Gambians during peak periods of December 2019 and January 2020.   

“In this regard, permit relative to political rallies are currently put on hold until further notice (after the peak period).”

The police decision was met with shock and surprise. 

Some have argued that political dissent is being stifled by the Barrow government. 

“A government that claims to represent a people, must not eschew itself from hearing their unpleasant truths or grievances,” said Yankuba Dabo, a political activist.

Meanwhile the anti-Barrow pressure group Three Years Jotna has been granted permit to protest on December 16.