The Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) movement has issued a powerful statement thanking Gambians—particularly the youth—for their unprecedented show of unity and determination in what is now being described as the largest youth protest in the country’s history.
In a press release signed by GALA spokesperson Omar Saibo Camara, the group praised the people of The Gambia for rising in solidarity “through days and nights” to confront what they call a “generational theft” of public assets linked to the former President. The statement singled out investigative journalist Mustapha Swandi K. Darboe for his role in exposing the controversial sale of the ex-president’s assets, a sale that has triggered national outrage.
“This new revolution,” GALA said, “triggered by the corrupt sales of the former President’s assets… will put an end to institutionalised corruption, impunity, bad governance and police brutality.” The movement aims to build a broad national coalition inclusive of all political, religious, and regional backgrounds—uniting Gambians around a vision of a country built on fairness and accountability.
GALA also acknowledged some recent steps taken by the government, including the release of the list of sold assets and the president’s public address. However, the group made clear it would hold off on taking a final position until it has reviewed all relevant information.
The group urged Gambians to attend Tuesday’s extraordinary National Assembly session in Banjul, which will focus on the investigative report into the asset sales. The session is scheduled to begin at 10:00 am.
GALA stressed that the fight against corruption is far from over, emphasising the role of youth activism both at home and abroad. “With concerted efforts,” the statement read, “we can bring an end to corruption and bad governance in all public institutions.”
As scrutiny around the Janneh Commission’s findings and the government’s handling of the asset sales deepens, this youth-led movement appears poised to reshape the national conversation around transparency and justice in public life.
