Remarks made at the Wednesday anti-corruption protest by the chairman of the Brikama Area Council (BAC) have ignited a passionate debate about the rule of law and the fight against graft in The Gambia.
Chairman Yankuba Darboe’s utterances in an interview with reporters at the Youth Monument during yesterday’s protest, particularly his assertion, “Who is caught stealing, what we do to thieves in the markets is what we will do to you,” have been widely perceived as contradictory to the country’s legal framework, which mandates that suspected thieves be handed over to the police for due process.
The BAC chairman’s comments came during a protest that drew thousands of Gambians, demanding greater transparency, accountability, and an end to the pervasive corruption plaguing the nation. The street protest was spearheaded by the pressure group Gambians Against Looted Assets(GALA).
Darboe told journalists that sustained public outcry against corruption would deter public officials from engaging in illicit activities. He proudly declared that the protest was forging a legacy, one where future generations would commend their parents for standing against the wrongs they witnessed.
“This is a legacy that every protester should be proud of,” the BAC chair stated, “because what we want to leave is a legacy that children will be proud of what happened, which their parents disliked, they did stand against it.”
Darboe lamented the current state of the nation, acknowledging that “corruption at the moment has overwhelmed this country, there is too much stealing and lies.” He expressed frustration that those who steal often escape consequences simply by denying their actions.
Adding to the day’s discourse, the BAC chairman also voiced his disappointment over President Adama Barrow’s absence from the demonstration. He asserted, “President Adama Barrow has missed a big opportunity today. He should have been here, championing this cause.”
This statement underscored the public’s expectation for strong leadership in the fight against corruption from the highest office.
The GALA protest successfully mobilised a significant portion of the Gambian populace, showcasing a united front against corruption and a fervent demand for a more just and accountable society. However, the BAC chairman’s controversial remarks have undoubtedly added a complex layer to the ongoing national conversation about how best to tackle deeply entrenched corruption while upholding the principles of the rule of law.
