On May 8, 2025, Gambian police arrested 27 individuals in Banjul during a peaceful protest organized by a group referred to as GALA. The demonstrators were calling for the publication of a comprehensive list of individuals involved in the acquisition of assets previously owned by former President Yahya Jammeh. These assets were seized following Jammeh’s departure from office in 2017 and were intended to be sold to recover funds for the state.
According to eyewitness accounts, the protest remained peaceful, with participants holding placards and chanting slogans demanding transparency and accountability in the asset disposal process. However, security personnel intervened, reportedly manhandling several protesters before arresting them. No use of tear gas or other crowd-control measures was reported during the incident.
The arrests have sparked criticism from human rights organizations and civil society actors, who view the government’s response as a suppression of free expression and assembly. Amnesty International and Transparency International have both called for the immediate release of the detained individuals and urged the Gambian government to uphold its commitments to human rights and democratic principles.
The protesters’ demands are rooted in concerns over a 2025 investigative report by journalist Mustapha K. Darboe, published in The Republic, which revealed that the government could not account for approximately $375,760 generated from the sale of Jammeh’s assets. The report highlighted missing records and a lack of transparency in the asset disposal process, raising concerns about potential mismanagement and corruption.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges Gambia faces in its democratic transition and efforts to promote accountability. The government’s response to peaceful protests and calls for transparency will be a critical indicator of its commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law.