The Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), a group of young and concerned Gambians, says they remain steadfast in their plan to protest on Thursday, May 8, despite ongoing discussions with the Gambia Police Force’s Interpol Unit.
GALA announced today that it underwent a screening at 17:00 GMT at the Interpol Office after submitting a permit request to the Office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP). The group aims to march from the National Assembly building to the Attorney General’s Chambers between 11:00 and 13:00 GMT to demand accountability for looted public assets.
During the screening, Interpol officials questioned the motive behind the protest and raised unspecified security concerns. GALA representatives engaged in a lengthy dialogue, after which the police promised to advise the IGP and provide a response. However, GALA emphasized its unwavering commitment: “Whether 20 people or 2,000 people, we will protest on Thursday, with or without a permit.” The group’s resolve underscores growing public frustration over unrecovered state assets allegedly misappropriated by officials.
Madi Jobarteh, Executive Director of the Edward Francis Small Center for Rights and Justice, sharply criticized the police’s stance. “The Gambia Police Force has no reason to question the motive of citizens who wish to protest. Protest is not a crime, and protesters are not criminals,” Jobarteh said. He argued that the police’s role is to ensure security for citizens exercising their constitutional right to assembly, not to obstruct it. Jobarteh challenged the police to substantiate their security concerns, pointing out the absence of reported threats from the Gambia Police Force, National Intelligence Agency, Gambia Armed Forces, or National Security Advisor since January 2025.
Jobarteh highlighted recent large-scale public events, such as the Independence Day celebrations on February 18 and May Day Sports on May 1, held near the State House without incident. He also noted President Adama Barrow’s recent nationwide tour, which proceeded smoothly. “The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Information have declared The Gambia’s security situation as unparalleled in the sub-region,” Jobarteh said. “What security concerns is the Gambia Police talking about?”
Jobarteh urged the IGP to uphold the Constitution and grant GALA’s permit, emphasizing that the right to protest is a fundamental entitlement. “The IGP must respect and protect this entrenched constitutional right,” he said, calling for approval of the protest to proceed as planned.
As Thursday approaches, GALA’s planned demonstration has sparked debate over civic freedoms and state accountability. The group’s hashtag, #ProtestThursday, is gaining traction on social media, signaling strong community support. The police’s decision on the permit remains pending, but GALA’s determination suggests the protest will go forward. Authorities face mounting pressure to balance security concerns with constitutional obligations while citizens await clarity on whether their voices will be heard unimpeded.
The outcome of this standoff could set a precedent for future demonstrations in The Gambia, where public demands for transparency and justice continue to grow.
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