The United Democratic Party (UDP) has expressed deep concern over the arrest of 17 members of the Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) group. The group was detained by law enforcement officers after the Inspector General of Police (IGP) denied them a permit to protest. The arrests, before the group could begin their demonstration, have sparked fears of escalating tensions in the country.
The GALA members were apprehended in a public space and charged with unlawful assembly. The Gambia Police Force stated in a press release that the detained individuals are being held at Police Headquarters. However, conflicting reports from the media and eyewitnesses suggest the protesters have been moved to an undisclosed location, raising alarm about transparency and due process.
In a strongly worded statement, the UDP condemned the arrests, emphasizing that Gambia is not a police state. “If people are accused of violating the law, they should be subject to due process and legal representation, not held at undisclosed locations,” the UDP media team declared. The party called on the IGP to act within the bounds of the law and protect citizens’ rights, warning that secretive detentions undermine democratic principles.
The UDP also voiced concern over reports of additional planned protests, urging the IGP to pursue dialogue to de-escalate tensions. The party proposed that the police negotiate with GALA to reschedule any demonstrations, ensuring they proceed peacefully under police protection. “Citizens have a right to protest, and any denial of a permit must be contingent upon serious public safety concerns or manpower constraints,” the UDP stated.
The arrests stem from GALA’s attempt to protest the lack of transparency surrounding the sale or disposal of assets seized from former President Yahya Jammeh. The UDP echoed the group’s demand for clarity, calling on the government to disclose details about handling these assets. “Complete transparency, as required of the state, will resolve this issue,” the party asserted.
The UDP’s statement comes amid growing public frustration over restrictions on freedom of assembly. The party criticized the IGP’s office for failing to provide a reason for denying GALA’s protest permit, arguing that such decisions must be justified and communicated clearly. The UDP urged the immediate release of the detained protesters and the dismissal of all charges against them.
As tensions simmer, the UDP’s call for dialogue and transparency underscores the need for a balanced approach to maintaining public order while upholding democratic rights. The party warned that further escalation could erode public trust in law enforcement and the government.
The situation remains fluid, with the potential for more protests looming. The UDP’s intervention highlights the delicate balance between security and civil liberties in Gambia, as citizens demand accountability and the right to express dissent. All eyes are now on the IGP and the government to see how they respond to these mounting concerns.
