By: Alieu Ceesay
The Central Committee of Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) has officially announced that Friday, May 15, 2026, will be the date for its first anniversary commemoration, to be held at the Youth Monument in Westfield.
The announcement comes after a previous attempt to stage the event last Friday was aborted following police intervention.
According to GALA officials, the gathering was disrupted by arrests and detentions, and several members were subsequently charged in court, with several granted bail at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court. The movement says it has since refined its strategy to ensure the rescheduled commemoration proceeds peacefully.
Speaking at a press conference, GALA leader Alieu Bah urged Gambians to turn out in large numbers. “We are appealing to Gambians to come to this commemoration. Let’s talk, let’s figure out together how we are going to fix this country,” he said. Bah added that while police conduct during the previous incident would be addressed separately, the focus tomorrow would be on unity and collective problem-solving.
“The police and how they treated us is a subject for another day, but for tomorrow, come to the Youth Monument. Let’s see how we can put the struggle together.”
GALA’s Central Committee has extended an open invitation to all citizens, including critics of the movement, to converge at the monument for dialogue and discussion. The commemoration is expected to reflect on the group’s year-long struggle against looted assets, its achievements, and the challenges faced, including ongoing trials for many of its executive members.
Abdoulie T. Bah, another central committee member, assured the public that the event would be non-violent. “We are not coming out for violence; we are coming for commemoration,” he stated. “We already have our approval from the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC). We will come to celebrate our day, and from there we leave.”
Despite securing municipal approval, GALA has not yet received a police permit for the gathering. The movement expressed optimism that authorities would grant permission but warned of firm resolve if denied.
Kemeseng Sanneh, another prominent figure of the movement, declared, “Even if they deny us, we will ensure that they comply and give us that document. A precedent will be set so that no Gambian will be denied a permit.”
GALA also revealed plans to pursue legal action against the Inspector General of Police over alleged brutality during last week’s events.
The one-year commemoration is being viewed as a significant test of the movement’s resilience and its ability to mobilize public support for anti-corruption and good governance causes in The Gambia. Organizers anticipate a large turnout as citizens prepare to engage in what GALA describes as a crucial national conversation.
