Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) has hailed the unprecedented youth-led protests that erupted over the controversial sale of former President Yahya Jammeh’s looted assets, marking what they describe as the largest demonstrations in Gambia’s history.
In a press statement released today, GALA spokesperson Omar Saibo Camara expressed profound gratitude to the Gambian people, particularly the youth, for their unwavering solidarity in confronting corruption. “These few days of national solidarity are unprecedented,” Camara said, emphasizing the movement’s aim to end institutionalized corruption, impunity, bad governance, and police brutality.
The protests were sparked by The Republic’s investigative report exposing irregularities in the asset sales, which GALA labels a “generational theft.”
Camara praised journalist Mustapha Swandi K Darboe for his courage in uncovering the scandal, crediting him with galvanizing public awareness. GALA also thanked Gambians at home and abroad for defending their constitutional rights and holding the government accountable. The group envisions building a national movement that unites citizens across political parties, religious identities, and regions to create a Gambia rooted in equal opportunities and zero tolerance for bad governance.
GALA acknowledged the government’s partial response to their recent petition, including the publication of a list of disposed assets and a commitment to a presidential address. However, the group vowed to scrutinize the list thoroughly before issuing a formal stance.
Camara urged citizens to attend an extraordinary National Assembly session on May 14 at 10:00 AM in Banjul, where the asset sales will be debated, stressing the importance of public engagement in ensuring accountability.
The statement follows GALA’s petition to the Ministry of Justice, which demanded full transparency, independent oversight, and the withdrawal of former Justice Minister Abubacarr Ba Tambadou’s International Criminal Court nomination.
It also comes days after 27 GALA activists were released from custody following protests against the sales. GALA aims to dismantle corruption in public institutions through sustained youth activism, calling for concerted efforts to uphold justice. “We seek a Gambia where impunity finds no refuge,” Camara declared, signaling the group’s resolve to push for systemic reform and a renewed national commitment to democratic ideals.
