The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG) strongly condemns the recent actions and utterances of Minister Ebrima Sillah, the current Minister of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure and a senior executive of the National People’s Party (NPP), for calling on party supporters to organise a counter-protest against peaceful anti-corruption advocates.
This reckless move follows public mobilisation by Gambia Anti-Corruption Legal Advocates (GALA), a non-partisan civic platform committed to exposing corruption and promoting transparency. Rather than supporting this national call for accountability, Minister Sillah has chosen to defend the corrupt, attack those calling for justice, and incite partisan resistance.
At a time when Gambians are crying out for principled leadership and decisive action against graft, it is disgraceful that a public servant would weaponize state affiliation for political defense. This is not only morally bankrupt — it is a betrayal of democratic values and a dangerous abuse of office.
OUR POSITION:
• The peaceful civic actions led by GALA are lawful, democratic, and necessary.
• Any counter-protest inspired by the NPP or its ministers is a clear attempt to intimidate citizens and suppress dissent.
• Corruption is not a party matter — it is a national crisis. Defending it is complicity.
CoPG DEMANDS:
1. President Adama Barrow must distance himself from Minister Sillah’s remarks and take disciplinary action for this abuse of power.
2. Government must immediately act on citizen petitions demanding investigations into corruption cases and financial mismanagement.
3. The Anti-Corruption Commission must be given the independence and resources it needs to investigate without fear or favour.
4. The NPP must respect the rights of all Gambians — not just its supporters — to assemble and demand accountability.
TO OUR FELLOW CITIZENS:
We urge every Gambian to see through this dangerous charade. This is not about politics — this is about your future, your dignity, and your right to a country free from theft, nepotism, and injustice.
The CoPG stands firmly with all those advocating for integrity, transparency, and justice in The Gambia. No counter-protest, no propaganda, and no political muscle will silence the people’s cry for change.
WE WILL NOT BE SILENCED.
We remain committed to the peaceful, lawful, and unshakable demand for system change — until corruption is no longer protected, but punished.
The people are watching. And history will not forget.
Issued by:
Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG)
