By Alieu Ceesay and Ebrima Mbaye
Police in the Kanifing region on Friday, May 8, 2026, prevented members of Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) from holding a first-anniversary commemoration at the Youth Monument, citing a lack of registration, despite the group having permission from the venue’s custodians. The incident led to multiple arrests, scuffles, and accusations of heavy-handed policing.
Hundreds of young Gambians marched toward the Youth Monument, a prominent public landmark in the heart of the Kanifing Municipality, long regarded as a hub for civic engagement, advocacy, and community expression. Built, owned, and operated by the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), the enclosed venue has hosted numerous events over the years, including many organized by government bodies and national organizations.
GALA members intended to mark the group’s first anniversary, an occasion shadowed by previous arrests, court cases, and reported police brutality. However, as they approached the monument, security forces formed a line at the gate, armed with tear gas, batons, and other crowd-control equipment. Tension escalated into a tense standoff between officers and youths who insisted they had secured prior approval from KMC authorities.
Several GALA leaders, including Omar Camara and Kemeseng Sanneh, were arrested earlier in the day. A second group, led by Alieu Bah and Councilor Falu Gallas Ceesay, faced similar resistance. When Bah questioned the blockade, Police Superintendent Kuyateh reportedly responded: “You can’t enter. Are you registered? What I can say is your program cannot hold here today. That’s all I can say.”
The Gambia Police Force had not issued an official statement explaining the denial as of Friday evening.
During the confrontation, Alieu Bah was allegedly assaulted while being taken into custody by officers, including Senior Police Officer Dawda Jallow. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with youths emphasizing their peaceful intentions. “We are here to commemorate our one year. We don’t want any trouble, nothing else,” one participant told reporters.
The Youth Monument is a secure, fenced public space that KMC officials say has been rented out for more than 20 paid events and granted free of charge on over 15 occasions. Many of these gatherings involved state institutions without requiring police permits.
Lord Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda expressed surprise and disappointment in a statement, noting that the sudden insistence on additional police clearance for this particular event marked a departure from established practice.
“To the best of my knowledge, all of these events have proceeded, or are expected to proceed, without the requirement of a police permit,” Bensouda wrote. “It therefore comes as a surprise to KMC that this cherished public space — long recognized as a landmark for public expression and civic participation — is now being subjected to such a requirement.”
The mayor urged the Inspector General of Police to release the arrested GALA members and allow the gathering to proceed peacefully. “I urge the police to lead with dialogue, engagement, and consultation, and to refrain from the use of force, especially when those involved pose no demonstrable threat to society,” he added. “In fact, the role of the police in such circumstances should have been to provide security and ensure public safety for the event.”
Human Rights Lawyer, Assan Martin, addressed supporters outside Kairaba Police Station in the afternoon, where eight GALA members were detained. “GALA members were to celebrate their one-year anniversary after having applied at KMC. A monument is a place where people can have their events. Around midday, the police met them there and arrested these people,” Martin said.
He invoked constitutional protections, stating, “Section 25 is clear about free and peaceful assembly. The whole of The Gambia should come and show solidarity. We are following the case and will ensure that their belongings are provided. The delay tactics will not be tolerated.”
As of late Friday, the arrested youths remained in custody, while civil society groups called for calm and respect for the right to assembly. The episode has reignited debates over the balance between public order and freedoms of expression in The Gambia’s young democracy.
