For three days, Gambian youth have protested in the capital and beyond, demanding justice for arrested peers and transparency in handling former President Yahya Jammeh’s assets. In a poignant open letter to President Adama Barrow, citizen Essa Mbye Faal has urged immediate action to address these grievances and prevent a crisis that could destabilize The Gambia’s fragile peace.
Faal’s letter, dated May 10, 2025, expresses concern over the escalating unrest, driven by youth demands for accountability and inclusion. “The youth are our future, not our enemies,” he wrote, calling on Barrow to uphold their constitutional right to peaceful protest and release those detained. He warned that inaction risks deepening mistrust, potentially echoing past tragedies that scarred the nation.
The letter recalls the 2000 student strikes, where 14 young lives were lost amid violent suppression, and the 2016 death of activist Ebrima Solo Sandeng, whose killing in custody ignited resistance against Jammeh’s regime. These events, Faal noted, fueled the 2017 democratic transition that brought Barrow to power, driven by the courage of Gambian youth, women, and ECOWAS support. “Let us not forget the cost of that victory,” he urged.
Economic challenges, including rising costs and unemployment, have intensified public frustration, making the protests about more than just the Janneh Commission report or arrests. Faal emphasized that they reflect a broader call for transparency and governance reform. He pressed Barrow to engage directly with youth leaders, provide clear answers, and ensure the safety of detained protesters to restore trust.
Faal underscored the fragility of The Gambia’s peace, urging Barrow to act decisively to avoid division. “The eyes of the nation and the world are upon you,” he wrote, advocating for dialogue and reconciliation to uphold the rule of law. He offered support for efforts prioritizing unity, stressing that The Gambia’s democratic progress remains a work in progress.
As protests swell, Faal’s letter calls for leadership that listens to the youth and learns from history. The nation watches for Barrow’s response, hoping for action that bridges divides and honors the sacrifices of Gambians. With the world observing, the president’s next steps will shape the country’s path toward unity and stability, ensuring every citizen feels heard and valued.
