PUBLIC STATEMENT 24th August 2025
The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice stands in total solidarity with the detained protesters in their refusal to be released on conditional bail. We demand their immediate and an unconditional release as their arrest and detention on August 22 by the Gambia Police Force was unlawful. They are citizens who were exercising their constitutional right to peacefully protest the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority’s (PURA) decision to impose a data price floor. There is no law that requires a permit for a public assembly which does not involve a procession or the use of a loudspeaker as was the case on August 22.
Therefore, we categorically state that these detained individuals are political prisoners, as their only “offense” was to speak out and assemble against an unjust policy that directly affects the rights and livelihoods of Gambians. The criminalization of dissent and the restriction of free expression undermine democracy, violate the 1997 Constitution, and contradict The Gambia’s obligations under international human rights law.
EFSCRJ therefore demands the immediate and unconditional release of all protesters. We further call on the State to desist from using the security apparatus to silence criticism and instead engage citizens in open, transparent, and democratic dialogue on matters of public interest.
Democracy thrives and peace prevails when citizens are free to assemble, express opinions, and hold leaders and institutions accountable without fear of repression. The detention of these protesters represents an alarming regression that cannot be accepted.
We call on the IGP and the men and women of the Gambia Police Force to recognize their position and role in a democratic republic, which is to enforce the law fairly, consistently, and professionally without fear or favour. The Police should enable and not disable democracy and good governance. We are therefore hugely disturbed by the selective and forceful application of the law by the Police thereby disabling efforts aimed at promoting justice and accountability while aiding and abetting corruption and inefficiency in public institutions. We urge the IGP to turn around the police from weaponization and politicization to be rather the genuine, professional, and human rights protection institution it is envisaged to be in the Constitution and the Police Act and other laws of the Gambia and in line with the objectives of the Security Sector Reforms.
EFSCRJ is committed not to allow democratic backsliding in the Gambia. In 2016, the ‘Gambia Has Decided’ for the adherence to the rule of law, promotion of democracy, protection of human rights, and efficient service delivery and Never Again to abuse of power, violations of rights, and corruption. We will not accept a reversal.
We stand in solidarity with all Gambians who continue to struggle for their rights and dignity.
2025 – The Year of Transparency and Accountability
