Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – As Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) prepares to take to the streets this Wednesday in a highly anticipated protest against alleged state looting and impunity, the National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Coordinating Centre (NCCRM) has issued a strong call for calm, discipline, and respect for the rule of law.
The NCCRM, operating under the Office of the Vice President, emphasized the importance of peaceful assembly and civic responsibility in a public statement released on Monday.
In a press statement, the center acknowledged citizens’ right to demonstrate, calling it a cornerstone of democratic participation, but underscored that any protest must remain lawful and nonviolent.
“In line with its mandate to anticipate and mitigate risks to human security, national peace, stability, and cohesion, the NCCRM urges all protesters and organizers to exercise their constitutional right to peaceful assembly in a manner that is calm, lawful, and respectful of public order and safety,” the statement read.
The GALA protest—set for July 23—is the first formally authorized demonstration since a long-standing de facto ban on street protests was lifted. It marks a major turning point for civic activism in The Gambia, where tensions around corruption, asset recovery, and transitional justice continue to simmer following the Janneh Commission’s revelations on state plunder under former President Yahya Jammeh.
GALA has positioned itself as a civic coalition demanding transparency and justice in the recovery and disposal of stolen national assets.
The movement recently gained public attention, leading to the National Assembly’s probe into the sale and management of seized livestock and properties linked to the former president Yahya Jammeh.
Their campaign calls for accountability in the handling of these assets and greater transparency from state institutions, especially the Ministry of Justice.
In its statement, the NCCRM appealed directly to GALA’s leadership, urging them to cooperate fully with the Gambia Police Force and municipal authorities to ensure the protest is conducted in an orderly manner. “Protesters are also urged to refrain from any acts that could incite violence, threaten public safety, or undermine national unity,” it added.
The center reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the situation and supporting efforts that foster responsible civic engagement and constructive dialogue. It urged all Gambians to embrace peace, tolerance, and democratic values during this critical period.
As the GALA protest draws near, the spotlight now turns to how security agencies, civil society, and the public will navigate this test of The Gambia’s democratic maturity and post-transition stability.
