By Alieu Ceesay and Ebrima Mbaye
In a fiery press conference today, Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) issued a scathing critique of President Adama Barrow’s recent national address, demanding immediate action over the controversial sale of assets seized from former dictator Yahya Jammeh. The group, representing a growing wave of public outrage, accused the government of secrecy, incompetence, and potential complicity in what they call a betrayal of the Gambian people.
The press conference, held in response to Barrow’s Wednesday speech, follows explosive revelations from The Republic’s investigative report, “The Assets of Gambia’s Former Dictator Go for a Song.” The report detailed how assets recovered from Jammeh—seized after his 2017 ouster—were allegedly sold off at suspiciously low prices, some during the Janneh Commission’s probe into his illicit wealth. Nationwide protests erupted, forcing Barrow to address the nation after an emergency Cabinet meeting.
GALA’s spokesperson, Omar Saibo Camara, expressed dismay at Barrow’s admission that he was unaware of some asset sales. “The president’s claim of ignorance raises alarming questions about leadership and oversight,” Camara said. “If the task force he established operated without his knowledge, this points to either gross incompetence or a deliberate cover-up.” The group argues that such transactions, conducted in the name of the people, undermine the “New Gambia” promised after Jammeh’s fall.
While Barrow referenced the National Assembly and National Audit Office as avenues for investigation, GALA dismissed these as inadequate. “These bodies have limitations and timelines that do not match the urgency of this scandal,” Camara stated, citing the group’s Public Petition and the investigative report as evidence of systemic failures. GALA outlined four non-negotiable demands: full transparency on asset sales, an independent investigation free from political interference, accountability for all involved, and a concrete presidential action plan with a clear timeline.
The group also criticized the National Assembly’s extraordinary session, particularly the selection of a ruling party member to lead the oversight committee. “You cannot be a player and a referee,” Camara said, calling the arrangement a “political charade” lacking credibility. While GALA reluctantly accepted the committee’s formation, they vowed to monitor its work closely.
In a powerful rebuke, GALA condemned the recent arrest of its members during peaceful protests, labeling it an “abuse of power.” Camara demanded that police uphold constitutional rights rather than act as “tools of intimidation.” The group also called out state ministers for allegedly threatening citizens, demanding a public apology. “We will not be silenced,” Camara declared, warning that such actions only fuel their resolve.
The press conference struck a chord with Gambians, many of whom have grown frustrated with the slow pace of justice since Jammeh’s exile. GALA thanked citizens at home and abroad for their support, crediting public pressure for pushing the issue to the forefront. “Some of our demands are gaining traction, but we must not relent,” Camara urged, calling on the youth to lead the charge for change.
The Jammeh asset scandal has become a defining test for Barrow’s administration, with GALA framing it as a pivotal moment for Gambian democracy. The group pledged to continue mobilizing, exposing corruption, and holding officials accountable. “The looting of our national wealth in the name of justice is a betrayal we cannot ignore,” Camara said, rallying Gambians to remain united.
As the nation watches, pressure is mounting on Barrow to deliver more than promises. With GALA’s uncompromising stance and growing public support, the fight for transparency and justice shows no signs of slowing down. The group’s message was clear: Gambians deserve answers, accountability, and a government that serves the people, not the powerful.
