BANJUL, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Gambian President Adama Barrow has extended the state of public emergency by 21 days.
The decision, announced Tuesday night in a televised address, came after the National Assembly rejected a motion tabled by Justice Minister Aboubacarr Tambadou on Saturday seeking the extension of 45 days following the expiry of the initial 45 days.
Gambian constitution empowers the president to declare a state emergency in the country but not beyond 21 days without the approval of the parliament.
Barrow declared the state of public emergency on March 27 for 21 days to curb the spread of COVID-19, and on April 3, the parliament approved a 45-day extension.
Gambia has So far reported 24 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including one death and 13 recoveries. Enditem
