GAMBIANS AGAINST LOOTED ASSETS (GALA)
By Buba Gagigo
The civil society group Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) has formally applied for a permit to stage a peaceful protest demanding full disclosure of individuals who purchased assets belonging to former President Yahya Jammeh.
In a letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police, the group announced its intention to hold the demonstration on May 8, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The march is scheduled to begin at the Christian Cemetery and end at the Attorney General’s Chambers in Banjul, where protestors plan to deliver a petition to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.“We, GAMBIANS AGAINST LOOTED ASSETS (GALA), write to request a permit to hold a peaceful assembly slated on the 8 May 2025 from 11:00am to 1:00pm. The peaceful protest will be held from the Christian cemetery to the Attorney General’s Chambers in Banjul, where we would deliver a petition to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice,” they said in a letter to the IGP.
GALA’s move follows a recent investigative report by The Republic titled “The assets of Gambia’s former dictator, go for a song,” which raises serious questions about the sale process and apparent lack of public oversight.
“The issue of corruption and lack of transparency has reached its peak in the Gambia,” GALA stated. “Therefore, citizens can no longer remain silent about the amount of corruption and embezzlement of state sources. Accordingly, we urge your office to grant us the permit to exercise our fundamental right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.”