By: Bakary Mankajang
In a bold statement during GALA anti-corruption protest at Westfield, Yankuba Darboe, chairman of the Brikama Area Council, called on President Barrow to join the demonstration against corruption within his administration. Speaking to reporters amid a crowd of impassioned citizens, Darboe suggested that Barrow’s participation would send a powerful message to corrupt officials, showing that the fight against graft is a national cause, not merely a presidential stance.
The protest, which drew prominent figures and scores of concerned citizens to the streets of Westfield this afternoon, highlighted the pervasive issue of corruption stifling The Gambia’s progress. Darboe passionately addressed the crowd, underscoring the devastating impact of corruption on the nation. “Corruption is harming our children in hospitals, killing our mothers, and we must admit that this country is very corrupt,” he declared, pointing to systemic issues that have left public services underfunded and communities struggling.
The demonstration marked a significant moment, as Darboe noted that it was the first time citizens had organized a public outcry against corruption, despite frequent discussions on social media platforms. “We want to demonstrate to anyone misappropriating our funds that those funds belong to us, and we have not given them to anyone to misuse; we will not accept that,” he asserted, his voice resonating with the crowd’s chants for accountability.
Darboe emphasized that The Gambia’s potential for greatness is being squandered by those who steal public resources. “If no one stole or lied, this country would have been the greatest on the continent,” he said, rallying the crowd to demand transparency and integrity from their leaders. He emphasized that the large turnout at the protest was a clear message to the authorities: the people would no longer tolerate the misappropriation of their funds.
The chairman’s remarks highlighted a broader call for systemic change, urging authorities to halt the theft and misuse of public resources. “The number of people here is a message for you to stop misappropriating our funds,” Darboe said, directly addressing corrupt officials. He argued that only through collective action and accountability could The Gambia overcome the barriers to development posed by corruption.
The Westfield protest has sparked conversations nationwide, with many praising Darboe’s leadership in mobilizing citizens to take a stand. Observers note that the event could mark a turning point in the fight against corruption, as public frustration reaches a boiling point.
The protesters dispersed as the sun set over Westfield, but their message lingered: the fight against corruption is far from over. Darboe’s call for Barrow to join the cause has added a new dimension to the national discourse, challenging leaders to align with the people’s demand for a corruption-free Gambia.
