The recent decision by the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court to remand 23 protesters at Mile Two Central Prison for demonstrating against alleged price hikes by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has ignited a firestorm of debate. The arrests, coupled with the detention of additional youths attempting to march toward the National Assembly, underscore a troubling trend: the stifling of dissent in a nation that prides itself on its democratic transition. The Gambia’s Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and expression. Yet, the heavy-handed response to these protests—marked by teargas, arrests, and remands—signals a disconnect between the government and its citizens, particularly the youth. The Alkamba Times calls on the government to respect the constitutional right to protest and engage in meaningful dialogue with young people, voicing legitimate concerns about issues like PURA’s data price hikes and endemic corruption in the public sector.
The right to protest is a cornerstone of any democratic society. Section 25 of The Gambia’s 1997 Constitution explicitly protects the rights to freedom of expression and assembly, allowing citizens to gather peacefully and express their grievances without fear of retribution. These rights are not mere privileges but foundational to the democratic gains made since the end of Yahya Jammeh’s authoritarian regime in 2016. The youth, who make up a significant portion of The Gambia’s population, have been at the forefront of this democratic awakening, demanding accountability and transparency in governance. Their protests against PURA’s alleged data price hikes reflect deeper frustrations with economic policies exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis, particularly for young people navigating unemployment and rising inflation.
The PURA protests are not isolated incidents but part of a broader wave of discontent. The cost of mobile data, a critical tool for education, entrepreneurship, and communication in a digital age, has become a flashpoint for young Gambians. For many, affordable internet access is not a luxury but a necessity, enabling participation in the global economy and access to information. Allegations of price hikes by PURA, a public institution meant to regulate utilities in the public interest, have fueled perceptions of mismanagement and disregard for ordinary citizens. When young people took to the streets to voice these concerns, they exercised their constitutional rights, not inciting chaos. The government’s response—arresting 23 protesters and charging them under the Public Order Act for an “unlawful procession”—sends a chilling message that dissent will be met with repression rather than dialogue.
Equally troubling are the persistent allegations of corruption in the public sector, which have further eroded trust in governance. These issues have long been frustrating for Gambians, from mismanagement of public funds to opaque procurement processes. The youth, in particular, feel the weight of a system prioritizing elite interests over public welfare. Civil society groups like Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) and the Edward Francis Small Center for Rights & Justice have rightly called out the arrests as a violation of constitutional protections, warning of a “disturbing return to authoritarianism.” The Alkamba Times echoes their call for the immediate release of all detainees and an end to arbitrary arrests, which undermine the democratic principles The Gambia has fought hard to establish.
The government’s reliance on the Public Order Act to suppress protests is a misstep. While the Act requires permits for public processions, its application must not be used to curtail fundamental rights. The requirement for permission from the Inspector General of Police should facilitate, not obstruct, peaceful demonstrations. International human rights standards, including those under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to which The Gambia is a signatory, emphasize that restrictions on assembly must be proportionate and necessary. Deploying riot police and teargas against protesters, including those chanting “No Justice, No Peace” outside the courtroom, is neither proportionate nor conducive to fostering trust. Such actions alienate the very citizens the government claims to serve, particularly the youth who are the nation’s future.
Instead of criminalizing dissent, the government must engage in dialogue with young people. The concerns protesters raise—whether about PURA’s policies or systemic corruption—are not frivolous. They reflect real grievances that demand a response rooted in transparency and accountability. The government should establish formal channels for consultation with youth groups, civil society, and other stakeholders to address these issues collaboratively. For instance, PURA could hold public forums to explain its pricing policies and explore affordable solutions, while anti-corruption agencies should demonstrate tangible progress in investigating and prosecuting graft. Such steps would show a commitment to listening rather than silencing.
The Gambia’s youth are not adversaries but partners in nation-building. Their energy, creativity, and passion for change should be harnessed, not suppressed. The government’s failure to engage them risks deepening disillusionment and fueling further unrest. History has shown that ignoring the voices of the young can lead to prolonged instability, a lesson The Gambia cannot afford to relearn. By respecting the right to protest and fostering inclusive dialogue, the government can rebuild trust and demonstrate its commitment to democratic principles.
The Alkamba Times urges the government to drop charges against the detained protesters, review the application of the Public Order Act, and prioritize dialogue over confrontation. The youth deserve a seat at the table, not a cell in Mile Two. The Gambia’s democracy depends on it.
