Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – What’s On-Gambia, one of the country’s most influential online platforms, has announced it will stop assisting police officers following what it described as “heartbreaking” cases of brutality against civilians. The decision marks a sharp break from years of quietly supporting law enforcement personnel in times of need.
In a statement issued today, the platform said it had repeatedly stepped in to help police officers who were neglected by the very system they serve.
Examples cited included paying the medical bills of a female traffic officer knocked down while clearing the road for the president’s convoy and providing support for an officer shot by armed robbers in Soma. It also intervened when police officers’ Independence Day allowances were withheld.
However, the outlet said recent conduct by some officers during public protests had forced it to reconsider. “We cannot continue to assist officers who find joy in harming the very people they swore to protect,” the statement read.
What’s On-Gambia said its decision was triggered by disturbing images of officers allegedly firing tear gas at unarmed protesters in Lamin, who were carrying placards and smiling as they approached security forces. “It was heartbreaking to watch officers smiling while firing tear gas at their fellow Gambians,” the platform stated.
The group underscored that most police officers are underpaid—earning less than D6,000 a month—and often rely on ordinary Gambians for support such as transport, cash, and other assistance.
Yet, it argued, this bond of trust and solidarity is being undermined by officers’ “terrorising” of citizens to appease those in power.
By withdrawing its support, What’s On-Gambia hopes to send a clear message that such behaviour will no longer be tolerated. “Police officers must remember that they are our brothers and sisters. Their duty is to safeguard the public and uphold law and order, not to terrorize citizens for amusement,” it said.
The move may signal a broader shift in public sentiment, as more Gambians call for accountability within the security forces.
Many commentators on the media’s feed say it could also serve as a wake-up call for the police leadership and the government to address both poor working conditions and allegations of misconduct.
