Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) -The Gambia Police Force (GPF) has cautioned against any unauthorized protests or gatherings, warning that such actions will be met with the full force of the law.
In a statement, the police confirmed receiving triplicate copies of permit requests from the civil society group Gambians Against Looted Assets “GALA” under less than 24 hours’ notice. The applications are currently undergoing normal screening and processes. Until approval is granted, the Police emphasized that no individual or group will be allowed to stage a protest as required under the Public Order Act.
The GPF disclosed it is also closely monitoring a series of controversial social media posts allegedly from the same group, in which threats were made to embark on three consecutive days of protests with or without a police permit over demands touching on matters of national security.
“Any unlawful protest, assembly, or attempt to occupy public spaces without approval will be met with the full force of the law,” the statement read, adding that organizers and participants would be held personally accountable for actions that threaten national peace, security, or public order.
The police further advised the public to go about their normal activities without fear or disruption, reaffirming their zero-tolerance stance on lawlessness, incitement, and defiance of the law.
It also underscored that issues surrounding the Office of the Auditor General are before the courts and should proceed without interference, while encouraging constructive dialogue with the relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, the police confirmed the arrest of five young activists linked to GALA on Monday at the National Audit Office in Kanifing for unlawful assembly and common nuisance. Those arrested include Kemo Fatty of Bakoteh, Alieu Bah of Brusubi, Mamamdou Camara of Jambanjelly, Omar Saibo Camara, the Public Relations Officer of GALA, and Bakary Tamba, a journalist.
A journalist from Gambia Talent Promotion was also briefly arrested during the incident but released after screening, while the four others remain in custody.
According to the police, the arrests followed a gathering at the National Audit Office where GALA’s spokesperson attempted to conduct a press interview, allegedly using disparaging language and inciting colleagues to demand the release of those arrested earlier. Formal statements have been taken, and the activists have been charged accordingly.
