Government closes schools

Gambian authorities have ordered the immediate closure of all schools and tertiary educational institutions following two days of student riots in the Greater Banjul area and in some other parts of the country, according to local news reports. State House, the office of the president, condemned what it said was the "irresponsible and senseless behaviour" of the demonstrators who caused "extensive damage" to private and public property. Government said the rioting, in which 12 people were officially confirmed dead and 28 hospitalised, "was incited by GAMSU and aggravated by some bad elements and bandits". Therefore, the government said, GAMSU (the Gambia Students Union) and anybody linked to the destruction "must bear full responsibility" and answer for the carnage. Thousands of demonstrators burnt cars, telecommunications and other facilities in the Greater Banjul area in protest against an autopsy report on the earlier death of Ebrima Barry, a high school student. He died after allegedly being beaten by firemen in the town of Brikama, about 30 km south of Banjul. The six accused firefighters are being held in remand.