Gambian exiles in the Senegalese capital of Dakar on Wednesday took to the streets to protest against Gambian President Yahya Jammeh's regime. The day was chosen to coincide with the 15th anniversary of a military coup that brought Jammeh to power.

The event was facilitated by Amnesty International as part of a global campaign against the regime in Banjul. The issue of human rights was the core theme of the protest, with special emphasis on press freedom.

Gambia is currently where journalists live and work under terror day in and day out, according to Amnesty International and other rights groups. It would be recalled that seven journalists, including executive members of the Gambia Press Union are standing trial for sedition and defaming President Jammeh.

Gambian exiles in partnership with members of the Senegalese media and civil society organizations said the protest was aimed at showing solidarity with the embattled seven journalists in trial in Banjul and to show the international community that the authorities in the country have been violating the rights of the citizens particularly members of the independent press.

As part of the event, a press conference was held during which Gambian exiles and Amnesty International officials showcased the human rights violations in the Gambian to the Senegalese media.

Members of the Gambian community will also meet diplomatic representatives of various African countries in Dakar including Nigerian and Ghanaian ambassadors later this week to petition about the events in Gambia.

Report by Sheriff Bojang Jnr, Dakar.