Dr. Ceesay Says Marching on State House Could Amount to Treason, Punishable by Death

By Fatou Sillah

Gambia’s Information Minister, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, has defended President Adama Barrow’s warning to the United Democratic Party lawmaker for Banjul North over a protest near State House, arguing that such demonstrations could be interpreted as an attempt to commit treason.

Speaking in an interview with West Coast Radio, Dr. Ceesay said marching toward the presidential residence, particularly at night, posed serious security risks and could carry severe legal consequences.

“That could be interpreted as you wanting to commit treason, which is not acceptable, and treason in this country is punishable by death,” he said.

Dr. Ceesay maintained that while Gambians have a constitutional right to protest, demonstrations must comply with the law and respect security restrictions around State House.

“Protesting and heading towards the State House is not allowed. It’s not allowed under any circumstances; we will not accept it from anybody, and we will deal with you mercilessly if you attempt it again,” he said.

He argued that approaching the heavily guarded presidential residence with a group of young protesters, particularly at night, could provoke a dangerous security confrontation.

Dr. Ceesay also rejected criticism of President Barrow’s remarks, insisting that the president had issued a warning rather than threatened to arrest or harm the lawmaker.

He said the lawmaker could have expressed his grievances at alternative public locations, including the Arch 22 area or a designated public square.

The minister emphasized that the warning applied to all citizens, maintaining that the government would not tolerate demonstrations directed toward State House.

Dr. Ceesay’s characterization of such a protest as potential treason represents his interpretation of the law, rather than a judicial determination that marching toward State House constitutes the offense.