Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), a youth-led anti-corruption movement, staged a peaceful but resolute protest on Wednesday, renewing calls for transparency, justice, and an end to impunity in public governance.
Held at Westfield Junction under a charged but festive atmosphere, the demonstration featured handwritten placards voicing frustrations over the persistent looting of public resources, rising cost of living, and government inaction on long-standing scandals.
Slogans like “Gambians are not slaves to corruption,” “Healthcare fails, leaders feast!” and “300 million stolen—no arrests, no shame” gave voice to widespread disillusionment among young Gambians.
The movement’s growing momentum over recent months reflects a broader determination by Gambian youths to challenge systemic corruption, which they say has deepened poverty and undermined public trust.
This latest protest builds on a series of vocal campaigns and public statements by GALA, including a recent online petition and prior rallies highlighting unresolved national scandals.
GALA has been particularly vocal about the government’s failure to act on major corruption cases. One such case is the Russian oil scandal, where millions of dollars in fuel imports under questionable circumstances remain unexplained.
Protesters brandished a banner reading, “Russian oil scandal, we want names and justice,” pointing to what they perceive as state complicity in shielding those implicated.
Another long-standing grievance that featured prominently was the Banjul Port scandal, where D300 million reportedly went missing with no arrests made. “300 million stolen—no arrests, no shame,” read one placard, underscoring the anger over perceived selective justice and weak enforcement of anti-corruption laws.
In the wake of the tragic deaths of 66 children in 2022 linked to contaminated imported cough syrup, protesters demanded justice and accountability.
Despite national outcry, no one has been held criminally responsible. “The 66 babies’ deaths are a stain on our conscience,” one banner read, echoing national grief that has yet to be translated into legal action.
Other protesters turned their anger toward the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) over high tariffs and poor service delivery. “NAWEC, stop overcharging us. We demand affordable electricity,” one protester’s sign read.
The high cost of basic goods also fueled public frustration. With bread prices recently soaring to D12, demonstrators held signs in Wolof like “Mburu D12, Blie degen Sohorr,” roughly meaning “With bread at D12, you’re really wicked,” expressing outrage at deteriorating living conditions.
Despite previous government promises to combat corruption—particularly after the Janneh Commission and revelations of financial mismanagement under former President Yahya Jammeh—protesters argue that current leaders have failed to deliver genuine reform. Investigations have stalled, and many key reports remain unimplemented or ignored.
Wednesday’s protest reaffirmed that GALA, led primarily by young Gambians, remains determined to push for answers, reforms, and real consequences for economic crimes. Their message is clear: corruption is not a political issue—it’s a national crisis undermining lives, justice, and the future of The Gambia.
