This archive report was first published on 17 December 2019.
On December 16, 2019, thousands of people in Gambia's capital Banjul staged a peaceful protest to demand President Adama Barrow's resignation. The protest was organized by the movement 'Operation Three Years Jotna (Operation Three Years Is Up)', which was created this year by Musa Kaira, a Gambian businessman living in the United States.
According to the protesters, Barrow had promised to serve only three years if elected in the 2016 presidential elections. However, the West African country's constitution stipulates a full presidential term of five years.
During his campaign, Barrow reached a deal with his partners in the ruling coalition to serve only three years, which was meant to be provisional before calling elections. However, in March, Barrow proposed to hold elections in 2021 after a full presidential term, a call rejected by two of his ruling coalition parties.
The protesters on Monday called on Barrow to resign to honour his campaign pledge. The movement submitted a memorandum urging Barrow's step-down to an official representing Barrow before the crowd peacefully dispersed.
