Gambiaj.com – BANJUL, The Gambia – Earlier today, hundreds of predominantly young protesters gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly to voice their opposition to the Judicial Officers Remuneration and Other Entitlement Bills and the National Assembly Members Salaries and Pension Bill 2024.

The demonstration, led by the youth group “Concerned Citizens,” featured placards with messages such as “Consider the plight of teachers,” “No to self-enrichment,” and “Civil servants are hungry.”

Lamin Manneh, speaking on behalf of the protesters, emphasized that the National Assembly’s actions are perceived as unconstitutional. He cited the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia, which mandates that all members regard themselves as servants of the people and avoid actions that improperly enrich themselves. Manneh stated, “We as citizens and taxpayers, who ought to be served by members of the National Assembly as enshrined in the Constitution, are unequivocally opposed to these proposed bills that are aimed at serving the interest and enriching the members of parliament and judiciary over the general public as a whole.”

Manneh highlighted the harsh economic conditions faced by many Gambians, particularly civil servants and private sector employees who struggle to support their families due to the high cost of living. He criticized the timing of the bills, noting that they come when the majority of Gambians are grappling with unemployment, poverty, and escalating living costs.

Kemesseng Sanneh, another protester, echoed these sentiments, asserting that the bill serves personal interests rather than the country’s welfare. He emphasized that the National Assembly’s role is to promote the social welfare of citizens, as stipulated by the Constitution.

Honourable Omar Jammeh, National Assembly Member for Janjanbureh Constituency, addressed the protesters, affirming his opposition to any bill that does not favor the electorate. “I am not in the parliament to represent myself but my people; therefore, I will not compromise anything that is not favorable to the electorates,” he declared.

The Concerned Citizens group presented several demands, calling for the immediate withdrawal of the proposed bills. They urged a fair and balanced approach to compensation for all public servants, aligning salaries and benefits with the country’s economic realities to avoid significant disparities. They also called for the government to prioritize critical sectors such as education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, and agriculture.

Additionally, the protesters demanded mechanisms to hold National Assembly members accountable for their actions, ensuring they act in the best interests of their constituents. They advocated for policies that promote social justice and reduce income inequality.

The group warned of further action if their demands are not met, stating, “Failure to attend to our demands, we shall endeavor to organize a nationwide protest and we shall continue to protest against these bills until our voices are heard and respected.”