The All People’s Party-Sobeyaa (APP-Sobeyaa) has issued a fiery rebuke to threats made by Gambia’s Minister of Agriculture, Demba Sabally, to arrest its leader, Essa Mbye Faal, and Banjul Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe. The minister’s remarks, made yesterday, targeted Faal and Lowe for supporting youth protests demanding transparency in managing assets seized from former President Yahya Jammeh. In a strongly worded statement, APP-Sobeyaa condemned the threats as an attack on democracy and vowed to resist any attempts to silence its leaders.
The controversy erupted after Faal and Lowe joined young Gambians in protests calling for clarity on the sale of Jammeh’s assets, which were confiscated following his ousting in 2017. The protesters, backed by APP-Sobeyaa, demanded details on who benefited from the asset sales and alleged a lack of accountability. The Minister of Agriculture responded by threatening to arrest the two prominent figures, sparking outrage across social media and drawing condemnation from activists and civil society groups.
In its statement, APP-Sobeyaa described the minister’s threats as a “brazen assault” on democratic values and an attempt to criminalize dissent. “Any attempt to arrest or intimidate Essa Mbye Faal or Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe will face unyielding resistance from APP-Sobeyaa and the Gambian people,” said Ousainou Bobb, the party’s national spokesperson. The party praised Faal, a respected advocate for justice, and Lowe, a prominent local leader, for amplifying the youth’s “legitimate demands” for transparency.
The statement warned the government against undermining the rule of law, emphasizing that Gambia’s democracy is not a “fiefdom where ministers can wield power with impunity.” APP-Sobeyaa called on Gambians, including youth, elders, and activists, to stand united against what it described as authoritarian tactics. “The vibrancy of our democracy depends on our collective resolve to hold power to account,” the party declared, saluting the protesters for their nonviolent pursuit of justice.
The party also appealed to the international community, urging the African Union, ECOWAS, and the United Nations to monitor the situation closely. “The Gambia’s democratic journey is under threat,” the statement read, warning against a return to the repressive tactics of the Jammeh era. The call for global vigilance underscores growing concerns about democratic backsliding in the country, which transitioned to democracy after Jammeh’s 22-year rule ended.
Social media has been abuzz with reactions to the minister’s threats, with many Gambians expressing solidarity with Faal, Lowe, and the protesters. Hashtags calling for transparency and justice have trended, reflecting widespread public discontent. Analysts suggest the government’s response may have backfired, galvanizing support for the opposition and the youth movement.
APP-Sobeyaa said directly to the Minister of Agriculture: “Retract your threats, respect the rights of all Gambians, and uphold the democratic ideals that define our nation.” The party reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and the rule of law, vowing to continue its fight for a just Gambia. As tensions rise, the nation and the world are watching closely, with history poised to judge those who stand for or against democratic principles.
