The Gambia Police Force has issued a stern warning against an unauthorized protest planned for Friday, August 22, 2025, at the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) Headquarters, following social media calls for action. The police stated that no formal request for the protest has been received, and any unsanctioned gathering will face strict legal consequences.
The announcement comes in response to a public statement from Team Gom Sa Bopa, GALA, and the Edward Francis Small Center for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ), who have called for a peaceful protest at 11 a.m. on Friday outside PURA’s Kairaba Avenue headquarters. The groups are demanding the immediate suspension of PURA’s recent directive, issued on August 19, 2025, which imposes a D50 per 1GB data price floor on GSM companies. They claim this policy has led to a 243% increase in data costs, eliminating affordable promotions and burdening consumers.
In their statement, the groups endorsed the Gambia Competition & Consumer Protection Commission’s call for PURA to rescind the price floor in favor of policies promoting affordable pricing and improved data quality. They urged Gambians to join the protest to hold PURA accountable, emphasizing that the regulator should prioritize public interest over GSM company profits. The organizers stressed that the demonstration will comply with Gambian laws, avoiding public address systems or processions. They notified the Inspector General of Police to provide security for the “spontaneous assembly.”
However, the police reiterated that the protest remains unauthorized without formal approval. They warned that individuals or groups participating in or organizing such activities will face the full force of the law. The public is urged to adhere to legal procedures for any planned demonstrations.
