By Staff Writer
The Gambia Police Force has approved a permit for the United Movement for Change to hold a public rally on May 16, 2026, at the Buffer Zone, allowing the emerging political group to proceed with a high-profile gathering even as questions persist about its formal registration.
The authorization, outlined in a letter dated May 13 and addressed to the party’s spokesperson, Kemo Bojang, permits the use of a public address system and sets the event for 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The approval follows an application submitted in March to the Office of the Inspector General of Police.
The rally is expected to conclude a day of activities by the movement, which has scheduled a congress earlier that morning at the Paradise Hotel — a sequence that underscores the group’s effort to project organizational momentum ahead of official recognition.
In recent weeks, speculation had grown over whether the police would grant the permit, given the party’s pending registration application with the Independent Electoral Commission. The decision to allow the rally suggests that the authorities are, for now, separating questions of administrative status from the right to assemble.
Still, the approval comes with conditions. In the letter, the police emphasized that the gathering must adhere strictly to the approved hours and remain within the bounds of the law. Organizers were cautioned against speech or conduct that could provoke unrest, including derogatory remarks that might lead to a breach of the peace.
The authorities warned that any violation could result in the revocation of the permit and potential criminal prosecution.
A copy of the letter was also sent to the Commissioner of Police for the Kanifing Region, signaling that local authorities are expected to oversee compliance.
The document was signed on behalf of the inspector general by Assistant Inspector General of Police (Operations) Pateh Jallow.
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