By: Alieu Ceesay
Traffic police officers on the Sukuta-Jabang highway detained a tricycle (commonly known as “toktok”) driver, Amadou Sowe, on suspicion of dangerously obstructing President Adama Barrow’s presidential convoy.
The incident occurred as the convoy traveled toward the State House in Banjul. According to police, Sowe’s tricycle became entangled with the motorcade, prompting officers to respond immediately and physically and verbally assault Sowe. A chief inspector ordered Sowe’s arrest, and he was taken to Sukuta Police Station, where he remains in custody.
Eyewitness accounts, including those of The Alkamba Times correspondent on the scene, describe the encounter as a tense. Officers reportedly seized the journalist’s phone briefly while filming what appeared to be an assault on the driver during detention. The young man was subsequently placed in a cell.
Sowe, who maintains his innocence, explained that he accidentally entered the convoy’s route and panicked upon noticing the approaching high-speed vehicles and hearing officers shouting at him. Overwhelmed, he said he was unable to safely exit the highway in time, insisting there was no intentional disruption or political motive involved.
The arrest has raised questions about police conduct and potential overreaction driven by self-preservation concerns among officers, who face strict accountability for any perceived security lapses around the president. Some observers speculate the incident could carry political undertones, possibly involving supporters of President Barrow, though no evidence supports claims of targeted interference.
Police have not released further details on potential charges, but the case highlights ongoing sensitivities surrounding presidential movements and road safety on major highways like Sukuta-Jabang. Tricycle drivers, a vital part of Gambia’s informal transport sector, often navigate busy routes amid heavy official traffic.
Sowe denies any wrongdoing and calls for a fair investigation. The Gambia Police Force has yet to issue an official statement beyond confirming the detention for the alleged obstruction.
