By Seedy Jobe
A senior adviser to The Gambia’s Ministry of Digital Economy has called on the country’s police force to “stand their ground” and, if needed, use force to maintain order, following unrest in the coastal community of Brufut.
Ahmad Gitteh, a prominent member of the ruling National People’s Party, made the remarks during a livestream on his official Facebook page after police deployed paramilitary units to disperse protests triggered by the re-arrest of Ousainou Bojang and his sister. The pair had previously been acquitted and discharged by the High Court on murder charges.
Security forces responded to the demonstrations with tear gas and detained several protesters, who were later released.
In his remarks, Mr. Gitteh framed the police as central to the preservation of democratic order, urging officers not to yield to public pressure.
“Let no one play with you. Don’t allow any disrespect from anyone. Stand your ground, Gambia police force; use as much force as necessary to get back your respect. You are law enforcement; you are the last hope for any democracy,” he said.
His comments come amid heightened tensions over the handling of the Bojang case, which has drawn public scrutiny and sparked debate about the balance between law enforcement authority and civil liberties.
Mr. Gitteh criticized what he described as a growing culture of disrespect toward the police, arguing that public criticism often overlooks the institution’s role in maintaining stability.
“Whether somebody is innocent or guilty, that is a whole different thing. But to disrespect the police like this. Every Tom, Dick, and Harry thinks that the police are the most useless institution; don’t allow it,” he said.
He also warned that the government would not accept what he characterized as unfounded attacks against state institutions, emphasizing that the current administration retains a democratic mandate.
“To come and say nonsense things to the government, we are not going to accept those things. This is our government; we are voted in by Gambians, and these Gambians still support us until we finish our term in office,” he said.
Gitteh dismissed his critics as envious of the government’s popularity and public backing.
“You don’t have more support than us in the streets, you don’t. So let’s respect each other,” he said.
In a pointed comparison, Mr. Gitteh contrasted the present administration with the former rule of Yahya Jammeh, suggesting that critics should recognize the relative openness of the current political climate.
“If it were Yaya Jammeh ruling this country and you happened to kill his two police officers and injure the other one badly, and the police happened to arrest you, before going to the court, probably Ousainou Bojang would have died by today if this were Yaya Jammeh’s government,” he said.
His remarks are likely to intensify an already polarized debate, as civil society groups and opposition figures continue to question the government’s response to the protests and the broader implications for democratic freedoms.
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