By Ebrima Mbaye
The civil society organization Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) has formally requested a police permit to hold a peaceful anti-corruption protest on July 22, 2025, in Westfield, Kanifing Municipality. The demonstration, scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., aims to address what GALA describes as rampant corruption, financial mismanagement, and lack of accountability in The Gambia’s public institutions.
In a statement signed by GALA spokesperson Omar Saibo Camara, the group invoked Section 25 of the 1997 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly. The protest is a response to a series of alleged scandals and governance failures that have plagued the nation, undermining the democratic progress sought after the 2016 political transition.
“The blatant disregard for the rule of law, lack of accountability, and abuse of office have become normalized,” Camara stated, emphasizing that the protest is a “moral responsibility and civic duty” to demand transparency and justice. GALA warned that the country’s trajectory threatens good governance and the nation’s future, urging citizens to “break the silence.”
The group’s demands include immediate government action on a range of reported issues, including the 2025 Russian Oil Scandal, National Audit Office findings from 2017 to 2020, and the 2023 Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) Corruption Report. Other concerns include mismanagement at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, the Independent Electoral Commission, and the Gambia Football Federation, as well as illegal land allocations between 2017 and 2025, the 2021 Passport Scandal, and misuse of COVID-19 funds.
“This is not about frustration but about courage, unity, and love for country,” Camara said, calling the protest a “national call to conscience,” GALA stressed that the demonstration will be conducted peacefully and responsibly, urging all concerned citizens to join in the spirit of civic engagement.
The group highlighted specific grievances, such as the National Assembly’s 2023 resolution on government imprest misuse and widespread inefficiencies in public services. They also pointed to a “transparency deficit” across institutions, accusing authorities of ignoring audit reports, parliamentary inquiries, and whistleblower accounts.
GALA’s call to action has resonated with many Gambians who are frustrated by the persistent governance challenges. The group has encouraged the public to stay updated via its official communication channels regarding the permit status and further details about the protest.
“Enough is enough,” the statement declared, emphasizing the need for collective action to restore accountability. The planned demonstration marks a significant moment for Gambian civil society as it seeks to hold public officials accountable and push for systemic reforms.
As the nation awaits the police response to GALA’s permit request, the group’s message is clear: the fight against corruption is a shared responsibility. With the July 22 protest looming, all eyes are on Westfield, where Gambians are expected to unite for justice and a better future.
