Gambians protest for fresh elections

Protestors flooded the Gambian capital Banjul on Monday, calling for President Adama Barrow to keep his promise and step down next month.

President Barrow came to power three years ago at the head of a coalition of parties opposed to former autocratic leader Yahya Jammeh. 

The alliance agreed that Barrow would lead a provisional government for three years and then call fresh elections. But earlier this year some members of the coalition agreed to support a five year term, as allowed under the constitution. The move was rejected by two parties, including the United Democratic Party - the largest in Gambia. 

The protests are being led by the 3 Years Jotna movement, which translates as ‘three years are up’. On Monday, demonstrators presented the government with a handwritten letter to President Barrow, urging him to resign. 

President Barrow has remained undeterred by the mounting unrest and last week announced plans to form his own political party to run in the next election. 

Photo credit: AFP