Information Minister Dr Ismaila Ceesay has backs Barrow’s warning saying that marching towards State House could be interpreted as an attempt to commit treason, saying the government will not tolerate such actions amid growing political tensions over a proposed march involving young people.
Speaking on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez, Dr Ceesay defended President Adama Barrow’s warning to a lawmaker over the reported plan to lead young people towards State House at night, describing the move as dangerous and reckless.
The minister argued that State House is a highly secured national institution and said organising young people, some reportedly between 10 and 15 years old, to march towards the presidential residence could have serious security implications.
“You cannot march towards the State House the State House is the most secure house,” Dr Ceesay said.
He maintained that citizens had the right to protest and express their grievances, provided they acted within the confines of the law. However, he argued that approaching State House in the circumstances described was different from organising a lawful demonstration at an appropriate location.
Dr Ceesay suggested that those wishing to express their grievances could have gathered at other public locations, including McCarthy Square or the Arch, instead of heading towards State House at night.
He said the president’s warning was intended not only for the lawmaker concerned but also for anyone considering similar action.
The minister further stated that such conduct could be interpreted as an attempt to commit treason, adding that treason in The Gambia is punishable by death.
“That could be interpreted as you wanting to commit treason, which is not acceptable,” he said.
He also commended security personnel at the Office of the President for exercising restraint during the incident, saying the situation could have taken a different turn had they responded differently.
Dr Ceesay insisted that the government had a responsibility to maintain law and order, while warning citizens against actions that could threaten security around the presidential residence.