Angry youths armed with cutlasses, axes and knives attacked
Senegalese nationals on Sunday after a heated soccer match
between the two countries, witnesses said.
The youths ransacked several Senegalese-owned businesses in
the Gambian capital and in nearby towns, shouting they would
kill any Senegalese who came their way.
The rioters said they wanted to avenge the reported deaths
of three Gambian citizens on Saturday in clashes between
rival fans after a match between the two national teams in
Senegal's capital Dakar. Authorities from both countries
have denied the reports.
Senegal's Interior Ministry said 18 people, 10 Gambians and
eight Senegalese, had been treated after what it called
"regrettable incidents" at Dakar's Leopold Sedar Senghor's
stadium.
In Banjul, Senegalese shopkeepers shut down their businesses
and ran for cover. The rioters also smashed up a Senegalese
school, destroying computers and other pieces of furniture.
The army deployed at the school and in other sensitive areas
dispersed the protesters with warning shots, and the
government appealed for calm. Authorities declared a dusk-to-
dawn curfew.