"Gambians torch Chinese fishmeal plant", 25 March 2021

A Chinese-owned fishmeal factory in The Gambia has been torched by youths, who are becoming increasingly disaffected by a raft of problems associated with the fishmeal industry in the West African country.

The incident took place last week, and was linked to an arson attack on a police station, both of which occurred in the coastal town of Sanyang, which is home to three Chinese-owned fishmeal factories.

In the last few years local residents have been calling for the closure of these factories, as they have been linked to extensive environmental and economic damage. Recently their protests have grown louder, as the government has taken no action. The police station was completely burnt down, while the Nessim feed factory suffered extensive fire damage. About 40 fishing vessels that were used to deliver fish to the factory were also destroyed. [...]