Police Beat And Disperse Protesting Commercial Drivers; Gov’t Business Paralyzed

In what started as a peaceful protest, later became violent. Cab drivers accosted their colleagues, who defied the protest. Drivers who refused to be part of the sit-down strike were attacked and forcefully commandeered to park their cars.

Personnel of the PIU had to move in to disperse the altercating drivers. They used robber pipes to beat and disperse the drivers. Some of the drivers reportedly sustained injuries because of the forced used by the PIU to disperse them.

Government business was virtually paralyzed on Monday. Workers could not report to work due to lack of transportation. There were limited cars plying between Banjul and Serre-Kunda. Almost all cab the drivers joined the protest.

Similar protest occurred in Farafenni. The drivers in Faraffeni also joined their colleagues in Banjul to boycott the roads.

The Transport Association’s argument is that oil prices increment or reduction should not be used as a yardstick to determine fare increment, said our source. Most drivers, he said, spend a lot of money on buying spare parts, oil, and other accessories than fuel. This is largely due to the bad roads, he added.

“ I think the government’s approach was a great move, but consultations with the drivers association should have taken place before reducing the fares. Some also argued that the consultations did took place. I do not know which is which,” our source added.

The Managing Director of the Gambia Radio and television services Ebrima Sillah, in a Facebook status posting on Monday said, the drivers sit down strike has been called off. Mr. Sillah said the drivers have been interviewed by the GRTS, and the interview was going to run after their newscast.

Some of the drivers interviewed by the Freedom Newspaper have accused the police of heavy-handedness. They said it was wrong for the PIU to use force to disperse them. They said they will continue with the strike unless the government meets their demands. They said they want a liberalized transport fares, which is consistent with the current economic situation.  

The Police spokesman could not be reached for comment.