What’s causing the unrest in Gambia?
The West African nation is witnessing its biggest anti-government protests in more than 15 years.
It is rare for Gambians to take to the streets and show their disapproval of the government.
President Yahya Jammeh has ruled the small West African nation for more than 20 years. And he is a leader known to be intolerant of dissent.
But his government’s reaction to a protest held a week ago has outraged Gambians. Dozens of opposition activists were arrested. One of them, Solo Sandeng, secretary of the opposition United Democratic Party, is thought to have been killed while in police custody.
The government says that the demonstrations were held illegally.
So, as Gambians prepare to head to the polls later this year, we ask: What’s causing the unrest?
Presenter: Dareen Abughaida
Guests:
Alieu Manjang – PhD Candidate at Qatar University
Sheriff Bojang – Journalist and Blogger