By: Sainabou Sambou
Prominent citizen journalist and activist Kemeseng Sanneh, better known as Kexx Sanneh, has launched a civil lawsuit against Alport Banjul Limited, the Turkish-operated company that manages the Banjul Port, alleging wrongful dismissal via a WhatsApp message after he participated in an anti-corruption protest.
The suit, filed at the High Court in Banjul, claims the termination on July 26, 2025, breached Sanneh’s fixed-term contract and violated his constitutional rights to free expression and assembly. Sanneh, a founding member of Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), argues his personal involvement in the group’s civic protest—part of broader demonstrations against alleged government corruption—was protected activity that did not interfere with his professional duties.
Sanneh’s one-year contract, signed on April 17, 2025, and valued at D150,000 annually, tasked him with promoting the company’s correspondent activities. He contends the abrupt dismissal lacked due process, notice, or evidence that his activism damaged Alport’s reputation.
Represented by lawyer Adama Sillah of Mari Bantang Chambers, Sanneh is seeking a court declaration that the WhatsApp termination was unlawful, D400,000 in general damages for lost income and opportunities, payment of remaining salaries and benefits, D150,000 in legal costs, and 10% annual interest on awards. He highlights foregone partnerships worth up to D400,000 annually that he declined to honor the Alport deal.
In his lawsuit, Sanneh claims he declined other lucrative offers to honour his contract. He cites lost business opportunities, including a partnership with Envy Club and Always Drive Car Rental, valued at D250,000 per year, and a partnership with Kaira Consultancy Company, valued at D150,000 per year.
A pre-suit demand letter sent on August 21, 2025, went unanswered. The High Court, under Justice Coker, has served a Writ of Summons on Alport Banjul Limited, granting the company 30 days to respond.
The case stems from Sanneh’s role in GALA protests demanding accountability over public asset mismanagement. Civil society groups have previously condemned the termination as retaliatory, raising concerns over freedom of speech in The Gambia.
