Africa-Press – Gambia. The Member of Parliament for Sanementereng, Hon. Fatou Cham has called for justice following unrest in Brufut, where she alleged that paramilitary officers deployed tear gas and used force against civilians, leaving several injured and disrupting daily life.
Speaking during the adjournment debate in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Hon. Cham said tensions in her constituency had escalated, forcing residents, particularly women, to abandon their routine activities.
“As I speak, there is chaos in my constituency,” she told lawmakers, adding that market women were compelled to leave their businesses due to the unrest.
The lawmaker linked the situation to reactions over the release and subsequent re-arrest of Ousainou Bojang and his sister, Amie Bojang. She alleged that paramilitary officers’ response led to confrontations with civilians.
“Some people were bleeding. Others were taken in pick-ups to the hospital after being seriously beaten,” Hon.Cham said.
She added that the area around Brufut Gamtel Junction became highly tense, with movement restricted as tear gas affected nearby homes. “Women could not even stay in their kitchens to prepare food for their families,” she said, describing the events as “uncalled for.”
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Fabakary T. Jatta briefly halted her intervention, ruling that the matter could not be extensively debated due to its connection to an on-going court case following a reported State appeal.
Despite that remark from the Speaker, Hon. Fatou maintained that the situation required urgent attention, emphasizing the need to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of her constituents. She called for justice and an end to the use of excessive force, urging authorities to restore calm in the community.
