Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Police in The Gambia have warned against an unauthorized protest planned for today, Friday, August 22, 2025, at the headquarters of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) in Kairaba Avenue.
The youth-led movement Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) announced earlier this week that it would mobilize supporters to demonstrate against PURA’s recent decision to introduce a minimum price for mobile internet data. In a public notice, the group urged Gambians to gather at 11 a.m. under the slogan, “PURA must reverse the unjust tariffs now.”
But police say no formal request for a permit has been lodged and stressed that any demonstration without authorization will be deemed unlawful. “Accordingly, no protest will be permitted without due process,” a police statement read, warning that organizers or participants risk facing “the full force of the law.”
The planned protest comes amid growing discontent over PURA’s August decision to regulate internet data pricing. The move, which has resulted in higher minimum tariffs across mobile operators, sparked criticism from consumer groups and civil society activists who argue that it stifles affordability and access to digital services.
The Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC) recently voiced concern over the policy, arguing that instead of promoting fair competition, it risks entrenching a market structure that disadvantages consumers.
Civil society organizations have similarly accused PURA of siding with powerful telecom operators at the expense of ordinary Gambians.
For its part, PURA defended the regulation, insisting it was introduced to ensure sustainability in the telecommunications sector and to protect smaller operators from predatory pricing practices. The regulator argued that data prices in The Gambia remain among the lowest in the subregion, despite consumer complaints.
Still, many Gambians—particularly students, small business owners, and digital entrepreneurs—say the new floor price has worsened the already high cost of data for users.
GALA, which has been active on social media platforms in recent weeks, described the tariffs as “a direct attack on youth empowerment and digital inclusion.”
Friday’s planned protest is seen as the first major public mobilization against PURA’s decision. With police warning of a crackdown on unauthorized gatherings, it remains unclear whether GALA will defy the order or seek official clearance to proceed.
