This article is from the source 'washpo' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/un-says-2-more-gambian-opposition-members-dead/2016/04/17/375c72f4-04b4-11e6-bfed-ef65dff5970d_story.html

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
UN says 2 more Gambian opposition members dead 3 detained Gambia opposition members dead, says UN
(about 1 hour later)
DAKAR, Senegal — The United Nations secretary-general has said two more Gambian opposition party members have died in detention following a demonstration Thursday. DAKAR, Senegal — Three Gambian opposition party members have died in detention following a demonstration earlier this week calling for electoral reforms in the tiny West African nation, the United Nations said Sunday.
The U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in a statement Sunday said he was dismayed by the death of United Democratic Party member Solo Sandeng and two fellow party members. He called for an independent investigation into the deaths in state custody. Ban said he was deeply concerned about the apparent use of excessive force and called on authorities to unconditionally release others arrested. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in a statement Sunday said he was dismayed by the death of United Democratic Party member Solo Sandeng and two fellow party members. He called for an independent investigation into the deaths in state custody, and called for the immediate and unconditional release of others arrested.
The U.N. said party leader Ousainou Darboe has also been arrested. “The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the apparent use of excessive force and the arrest and detention of peaceful demonstrators,” the statement said.
Gambian opposition party members and others staged peaceful protests in Serrekunda calling for electoral reforms before the December 2016 presidential elections. On Thursday, Gambian youths and activists demonstrated for electoral reforms in Serrekunda, 7 kilometers (4 miles) from Banjul, Gambia’s capital. Security personnel opened fire and arrested 25 demonstrators, the opposition party said.
Rights group say President Yahya Jammeh’s rule since 1994 has been marred by human rights violations. Opposition leader Ousainou Darboe was arrested Saturday with other party supporters who gathered in Serrekunda calling for the release of those in custody, including those who died in detention, the party said.
The party called on the international community to intervene to stop “the brutal crackdown on the opposition,” saying it only wants a free, fair and credible electoral process.
“Gambian leader Yahya Jammeh has put in place mechanisms to not only entrench himself in power by constricting the democratic space but also using all illegal means and the full force of the security forces to visit terror on defenseless Gambians,” it said.
Gambia is to hold presidential elections in December.
Rights groups accuse President Yahya Jammeh, who has ruled since 1994, of human rights violations.
The U.S. State Department in a statement Sunday condemned the Gambian government’s response to the protests.
___
AP writer Abdoulie John in Dakar, Senegal contributed to this report.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.