Prominent opposition Councillor MC Cham has voiced strong concerns over what he perceives as the police’s preferential treatment of Baboucarr Bahoum, a supporter of the ruling National People’s Party (NPP).
Cham argues that despite the gravity of Bahoum’s actions, the police have shielded him, a leniency not extended to figures like Ebrima Dibba, Madi Jobarteh, and Alhagie Bora Sisawo, who faced harsher treatment in their political cases.
“My observation is that the police are favoring Baboucarr Bahoum and protecting him simply because he supports NPP,” Cham stated.
He criticized the police for failing to arrest and charge Bahoum for his controversial utterances, insisting that any apology should have been made in court and not handled informally by law enforcement.
“The police are biased in the manner they handle political cases,” Cham asserted, warning that this sets a dangerous precedent where government supporters appear immune to accountability.
He pointed to the case of Yankuba Darboe, Chairman of Brikama Area Council, who continues to face prosecution despite issuing an apology, as evidence of this disparity.
Cham also attacked the appointment of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Seedy Touray, calling it a misstep the opposition should have fiercely contested from the outset.
Noting Touray’s familial ties to the President, Cham argued that the IGP’s position compromises impartiality, a flaw he believes is now evident in cases like Bahoum’s.
“The opposition should have denounced his appointment and put pressure on the government,” he said, suggesting that such action might have forced a reconsideration.
Further, Cham questioned the police’s handling of Bahoum’s case, highlighting their failure to clarify whether charges were filed. Instead, he noted that the IGP publicly commended Bahoum for deleting his post and apologizing, a response Cham finds inadequate.
He also referenced the case of ASP Binta Njie and urged the police to refrain from public statements on internal matters until investigations are complete.
“It is high time for the police to understand that governments come and go, and this government will one day leave power,” he cautioned.
Cham unequivocally condemned Bahoum’s statements against the people of Kiang, reaffirming his stance against such divisive rhetoric.
