By: Momodou Gagigo
A coalition of advocacy groups, including Team Gom Sa Bopa, the Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ), and Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), held a press conference to condemn the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority’s (PURA) controversial D50 price floor per 1GB of internet data and to demand the dropping of charges agaisnt the released 44 activists. The coalition also raised concerns about the government’s response to the issue, including the formation of a committee to investigate the price floor data.
Omar Saibo Camara, GALA’s spokesperson, detailed the events of August 22, 2025, when citizens gathered peacefully outside PURA’s offices to present a petition against the price floor, which has driven internet costs up by as much as 275%. Previously, competitive pricing had reduced rates to as low as D13.33 per 1GB. “Our goal was to read the petition and collect signatures, but security forces, led by PIU Commander Lamin Sarr, intervened with excessive force, arresting demonstrators,” Camara said.
The crackdown led to the detention of 44 individuals across various police stations, including Mile II Central Prison, for six days.
Despite the arrests, the petition gained significant traction online, amassing over 1,000 signatures from Gambians frustrated by the high cost of internet access compared to neighboring countries. The coalition criticized PURA’s oversight, arguing that the price floor disrupts market competition and violates legal principles, including the presumption of innocence. The detention of 23 youths without formal charges further fuels concerns about the erosion of civil liberties.
The coalition denounced the charges of unlawful assembly leveled against the 44 detainees, labeling them as political prisoners. They emphasized that the right to peaceful assembly is enshrined in The Gambia’s 1997 Constitution and international human rights frameworks. “Citizens seeking accountability are suppressed, while public officials linked to corruption face no scrutiny,” Camara said, highlighting a troubling pattern of selective law enforcement that undermines democratic principles and public trust in state institutions.
The coalition pointed to inconsistencies in how peaceful gatherings are handled, noting that similar protests in the past occurred without incident. This double standard, they argue, threatens national unity and democratic values.
Fatou S. Ndour of EFSCRJ underscored the importance of protecting civil liberties, warning that the arrests reflect broader challenges to The Gambia’s democracy.
In response to the controversy, the Office of the President announced on August 26, 2025, the formation of a “High-Level Committee to Safeguard Competition and Consumer Welfare in the Telecoms Market.” While the coalition welcomed the move, they expressed skepticism about its effectiveness due to the lack of a clear timeline for the committee’s work.
Yusuf Tylor, Spokesman of Team Gom Sa Bopa, urged the government to ensure transparency and accountability in the committee’s operations, emphasizing the need for prompt action to address public concerns.
The coalition issued a series of demands to address the crisis, including the immediate dismissal of all charges against the 44 detained activists, full respect for the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest, an independent review of PURA’s operations to ensure accountability, and equal application of the law, including scrutiny of public officials involved in misconduct.
The coalition’s resolve remains unshaken as they continue to advocate for Justice, accountability, and equitable internet access for all Gambians. “We will not waver in our pursuit of a fair resolution,” Ndour said, calling on the government to uphold democratic principles and protect citizens’ rights.
