The APP-Sobeyaa Party has issued a powerful call for immediate action to address the escalating housing crisis in Sukuta Salagi, where recent demolitions have displaced numerous families and razed over 17 residential compounds.
In a press statement released today, the party condemned the actions, highlighting the severe humanitarian and legal implications, and proposed urgent solutions to mitigate the suffering of affected residents.
The demolitions, carried out by the Department of Physical Planning on March 28 and April 3, 2025, have left families like that of Mariama Bojang, who lost a home worth over D900,000, grappling with financial ruin and homelessness. The party emphasized the broader economic context, noting that rising costs of essential goods and soaring urban rent prices have made it nearly impossible for displaced residents to secure alternative housing. Many claim they built their homes on land legally acquired or inherited, only to face abrupt eviction without adequate notice or compensation.
Echoing concerns raised by the Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice, the APP-Sobeyaa Party pointed to serious legal violations. The Gambia’s 1997 Constitution, under Section 22, guarantees property rights and mandates “prompt payment of fair and adequate compensation” for any compulsory land acquisition. The Land Acquisition and Compensation Act (Cap 57:06) further enshrines these protections, yet residents report receiving neither compensation nor transparent explanations for the demolitions.
“The humanitarian impact of these demolitions is significant and far-reaching,” said Essa Mbye Faal, Secretary General and Party Leader of APP-Sobeyaa. “As a party committed to constitutional democracy and social justice, we believe these challenges require solutions that prioritise both legal compliance and human dignity.”
The party proposed a six-point plan to address the crisis:
1. An immediate halt to demolitions for a comprehensive review.
2. Fair compensation as required by law.
3. Inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders, including affected residents.
4. Public disclosure of relevant documentation to ensure transparency.
5. Comprehensive land reform to prevent future disputes.
6. Temporary measures to alleviate the suffering of displaced families.
The APP-Sobeyaa Party’s statement comes amid growing public outrage, with victims protesting the lack of compassion and accountability from the government. The Ministry of Lands, Regional Government, and Religious Affairs has defended the demolitions as necessary to reclaim public space, but residents and advocates argue the process was unjust and lacked proper legal grounding.
The party vowed to collaborate with stakeholders to uphold justice and good governance, advocating for a systematic approach to land management that protects citizens’ rights while supporting sustainable urban development. As tensions rise in Sukuta Salagi, the APP-Sobeyaa Party’s call for reform underscores the urgent need for a resolution that restores dignity and security to affected families.
