Gambian police vows to enforce all provisions of emergency powers regulations.

Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - The office of the Inspector General of Police Thursday vowed to firmly enforce all provisions of the emergency powers regulations on the extension of the state of public emergency by President Adama Barrow to a further 21-day period.

President Barraw Tuesday extended The Gambia’s state of public emergency for 21 days in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Constitution.

The move followed the government’s request for an extension tabled on Friday, May 16.

However, the National Assembly resolution failed to carry the votes required to extend the state of public emergency, with 23 members of the house voting in favour, and 25 against it.

In a nationwide address here, President Barrow said: “I have invoked the powers conferred on me by Section 34(6) of the 1997 Constitution to further declare by proclamation published in the gazette, effective today, 19th May 2020 that a state of public emergency continues to exist in the whole of The Gambia.”

In a statement broadcast on Gambia TV Thursday, ASP Lamin Njie, Police Public Relations Officer, said the Emergency Powers Regulations came into effect as measures to prevent, control and protect the country from the COVID-19 virus after the World Health Organization declared it a global pandemic.

“In this regard, the public is strictly advised to comply with the social distancing regulations and desist from all forms of social gatherings and religious congregations that violate the Emergency Regulations and potentially endanger the lives of citizens.

“The public is further informed that enforcement operations are currently ongoing and will be further strengthened in accordance with the law.

“Therefore, The Office of The Inspector General urges all to comply and cooperate fully with law enforcement officers, so together we can defeat the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

-0-    PANA    MSS/RA   21May2020