Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Muhammed Lamin Ceesay, widely known as Iker, has resigned as National Coordinator of the Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), citing internal disagreements over the organization’s response to the recent arrest and bail of its members.
In a public statement issued on Wednesday, Ceesay said his decision followed “a disturbing situation” in which four GALA activists were “illegally kidnapped” on 15 September 2025, later charged, and granted bail.
He accused some within the movement of ignoring leadership structures and disregarding legal advice while calling for a three-day protest to pressure the state for the activists’ release.
Ceesay stressed that he had opposed the protest, warning it could endanger the 23 GALA members currently on bail. “Once their faces are identified at any gathering that is not sanctioned by the state, they risk their bail being revoked and being remanded at Mile 2 Central Prison. I was not ready, and will never be ready, to risk all these people returning to prison,” he said.
He also argued that staging an unsanctioned protest could lead to the arrest of remaining executive members, leaving GALA without leadership at a critical time.
According to Ceesay, GALA’s lawyers had issued “stern directives” to desist from the organization’s “usual response to the state” to avoid worsening the legal situation of its members.
Ceesay said he had publicly urged GALA supporters to “stay home and avoid any gathering” to protect those already facing court proceedings.
However, he noted that his advice was met with criticism from “agitated people” and a “deliberate disregard” for the organization’s leadership structures.
“It is on this note that I tender my resignation as National Coordinator for GALA. I hereby hand over this movement to the rest of the Executive Committee to continue the good work this movement started and to remain resolute in the fight against corruption,” he declared.
Despite stepping down, Ceesay affirmed his continued commitment to the struggle against corruption and thanked supporters for their “trust and comradeship” during his tenure.
