Gambiaj.com — (BANJUL, The Gambia) — The Minister of Information, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, has defended the recent arrest and prosecution of 14 members of Gambia Against Looted Assets (GALA), insisting that the matter should not be viewed through a political lens.
Speaking on the Coffee Time program, Dr. Ceesay rejected allegations that the arrests were carried out on government instructions or were influenced by political considerations.
“It’s not a political issue; it is an operational policing matter. If the police arrest people they believe have violated the law, that should not be politicized,” he said.
The minister stressed that President Adama Barrow is not involved in operational policing decisions, arguing that the presidency remains focused on national development priorities such as road infrastructure, healthcare, education, women’s empowerment, and youth employment.
Despite the ongoing court proceedings, Dr. Ceesay said the government remains willing to engage with GALA members through dialogue. He described the activists as young people concerned about national issues, even where disagreements exist over the methods used to express their grievances.
“We believe in dialogue in a democracy. Our doors are open for engagement and finding common solutions,” he added.
The 14 GALA members were arrested in connection with a planned gathering marking the movement’s one-year anniversary, which authorities alleged was organized without the required permit.
They later appeared before the Kanifing Magistrate’s Court, where they were charged with unlawful assembly and common nuisance.
All 14 accused persons were granted bail in the sum of D80,000 each with one Gambian surety. The court also ordered that the surety surrender a National Identity Card and ensure the accused persons attend all court proceedings.
The matter has been adjourned until 11 June 2026 for the continuation of proceedings.
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