The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice expresses grave concern over the events surrounding the first anniversary activities of GALA and the subsequent arrests and detention of several activists by the Gambia Police Force. These developments represent a troubling escalation in the shrinking of civic space and the erosion of fundamental rights and freedoms in the Gambia.
What should have been a peaceful civic gathering marking one year of citizen activism was instead met with arbitrary restrictions, intimidation, excessive force, and unlawful arrests. The denial of access to the Youth Monument grounds, the violent handling of peaceful citizens, and the detention of activists under inhumane conditions are actions inconsistent with democratic governance and the rule of law.
Among those arrested and detained are several leaders, members, and supporters of GALA, including Hakeem Touray, Kaddy Jadama, Maimuna Bah, Omar Saibo Camara, Omar Sanyang, Alieu Bah, and others whose only offence was the peaceful exercise of their constitutional rights to assembly, association, and expression. Reports and testimonies received by EFSCRJ point to the use of excessive force, degrading treatment, and detention conditions that violate basic standards of human dignity.
These incidents are not isolated. They form part of a growing pattern of intolerance toward dissent, increasing restrictions on civic engagement, and the abuse of state institutions against citizens and activists. Nearly a decade after the end of authoritarian rule, Gambians are witnessing actions increasingly reminiscent of the repressive practices the country sought to leave behind in 2017.
EFSCRJ reminds the Government of the Gambia that democratic transition is not merely about elections. It requires the continuous protection of human rights, the independence and professionalism of public institutions, accountability for abuses, and respect for citizens who engage peacefully in public affairs. The Constitution and laws of the country impose clear obligations on state authorities, particularly law enforcement agencies, to protect citizens rather than suppress them.
We therefore call on local stakeholders, including civil society organizations, the media, religious leaders, political parties, and the National Human Rights Commission, to remain vigilant and proactive in defending democratic freedoms and civic space. Silence and indifference in the face of repression only embolden further abuses.
We also call on regional and international actors, including ECOWAS, African Union, United Nations, diplomatic missions, development partners, and international human rights organizations, to pay urgent attention to the deteriorating human rights environment in the Gambia. The democratic gains achieved after 2017 remain fragile and are now under increasing threat.
The international community invested heavily in supporting democratic transition, transitional justice, security sector reform, and institutional accountability in the Gambia. Those gains must not be allowed to unravel through impunity, repression, and shrinking civic freedoms. These democratic gains were symbolized by the swearing-in of the Special Prosecutor for the Special Tribunal by the President on May 8, even as police officers were unlawfully arresting peaceful citizens. This stark contradiction reflects a democracy moving forward and backward at the same time, resulting not in progress, but stagnation.
EFSCRJ will continue to monitor, document, and report all violations and abuses. Accountability may be delayed, but it cannot be avoided. Citizens must never be punished for peacefully demanding transparency, justice, and accountable governance.
2026: The Year of Empowerment – Empowered Citizens. Accountable Leadership.
