Brikama Area Council Chair Accuses President of Targeting Market Vendors.
Yankuba Darboe is the chairman of the Brikama Area Council. On Friday, he accused President Barrow of using state power against him and local vendors.
Darboe said the president is behind attempts to destroy stalls at Brikama market. He claimed it was part of "Operation Clear the Roads."
In June 2024, a similar operation led to clashes at the market. Police fired tear gas at angry vendors. Dozens, including Chairman Darboe, needed medical care.
Darboe alleged the president told the regional governor to send security forces to the market. He said Barrow discusses plans to "destroy" the market at national security meetings.
"We are ready to defend our market," Darboe warned. He said the council must protect vendors' livelihoods.
Darboe argued that officials use laws selectively. They ignore rules that let councils run stalls in their areas.
Darboe claimed Governor Ousman Bojang is seeking "relevance" in the case. But he said people voted for the council chairman, not the governor.
"The governor takes orders from the president," Darboe said. "Barrow is the one destroying Brikama."
Police met with the council and called their visit a "fact-finding mission." But Darboe said past inquiries have not shared results.
He hopes authorities will follow relevant laws this time. Police have suspended the demolitions for now.
The Brikama market dispute remains tense. The council vows to keep defending vendors against state actions.
Yankuba Darboe is the chairman of the Brikama Area Council. On Friday, he accused President Barrow of using state power against him and local vendors.
Darboe said the president is behind attempts to destroy stalls at Brikama market. He claimed it was part of "Operation Clear the Roads."
In June 2024, a similar operation led to clashes at the market. Police fired tear gas at angry vendors. Dozens, including Chairman Darboe, needed medical care.
Darboe alleged the president told the regional governor to send security forces to the market. He said Barrow discusses plans to "destroy" the market at national security meetings.
"We are ready to defend our market," Darboe warned. He said the council must protect vendors' livelihoods.
Darboe argued that officials use laws selectively. They ignore rules that let councils run stalls in their areas.
Darboe claimed Governor Ousman Bojang is seeking "relevance" in the case. But he said people voted for the council chairman, not the governor.
"The governor takes orders from the president," Darboe said. "Barrow is the one destroying Brikama."
Police met with the council and called their visit a "fact-finding mission." But Darboe said past inquiries have not shared results.
He hopes authorities will follow relevant laws this time. Police have suspended the demolitions for now.
The Brikama market dispute remains tense. The council vows to keep defending vendors against state actions.
