Gambia arrests dozens of opposition activists after rare protest

Dozens of protesters demanding electoral reforms and the resignation of President Yahya Jammeh have been arrested in Gambia.

#Gambia – prodemocracy marchers led by opposition leaders tear-gased, arrested & beaten. Situation worsening pic.twitter.com/ngzdghMyWt

— Coalition for Change (@ChangeGambia) April 16, 2016

Displaying slogans such as “We Need Proper Electoral Reforms”, the protesters voiced concern over the country’s political environment which they said was skewed in the favour of the regime.

Among the protesters who were detained included United Democratic Party’s national organizing secretary, Ebrima Solo Sandeng, his deputy, Lang Marong and youth wing female president, Fatoumatta Jawara.

President Jammeh has ruled the west African nation with an iron fist since he came into power following a coup in 1994 and is regularly accused by observers of violations of human rights and enforced disappearances of activists but his government denies the accusations.

Gambia is scheduled to hold its presidential elections in December 2016, with legislative polls to follow in April 2017.