Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – In a move signaling a potential shift in approach, the government has begun efforts to de-escalate the tension stemming from the arrest of young demonstrators on Thursday. This comes as authorities released the head boy of Nusrat Senior Secondary School and a schoolmate from police custody earlier today.

Simultaneously, high-ranking government officials convened a closed-door meeting with delegates from Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), the youth-led group at the forefront of the recent demonstrations.

The discussions, involving the president’s deputy youth advisor, the executive director of the National Youth Council, and the State Intelligence Service (SIS) KMC regional head, are currently underway at the National Youth Council office.

However, sources indicate that progress in the dialogue has been minimal. GALA representatives remain firm in their demand for the unconditional release of all individuals arrested by the police on Thursday. These young protesters are reportedly being held at various police stations across the country.

Furthermore, GALA is insisting that the police grant them a permit to proceed with their planned protest march. The purpose of this march is to submit a petition to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, outlining their demands related to the disclosure of looted assets.

Despite the government’s initial release of the two students, their apparent reluctance to concede to the demand for the release of all detained protesters has resulted in a stalemate. GALA members suspect that the government is employing delaying tactics, anticipating an eventual trial for their peers.

Despite these challenges, the remaining leadership of GALA has demonstrated significant resilience and organizational prowess.

They are actively coordinating with their legal counsel, including Counsel Lamin S. Camara, to ensure their demands are met.

The core message from GALA remains the unconditional release of all arrested individuals, coupled with a full disclosure of the list of looted and frozen assets belonging to former dictator Yahya Jammeh.

They are also demanding the publication of a comprehensive list of buyers of these assets, following revelations made by The Republic, a Gambian online news outlet.

The coming hours are likely to be critical in determining whether a resolution can be reached between the government and the determined youth activists, potentially averting further escalation of the ongoing tension.