The Gambia Police Force (GPF) has announced the imminent release of individuals arrested in connection with an unauthorised protest staged by Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), a civil society group advocating for greater transparency and accountability in public finance.
According to a statement released by the police on Saturday, administrative procedures are currently underway to facilitate the release of the detainees. The protesters were arrested after taking to the streets despite being denied a permit by the Office of the Inspector General of Police.
“The GPF respects the right to peaceful assembly,” the statement read. “However, such activities must comply fully with the laws of The Gambia. Any future attempts to stage unauthorized protests will be dealt with according to law.”
The protest, held earlier this week, was aimed at demanding action against individuals accused of misappropriating public funds. GALA had earlier submitted a request to stage a peaceful demonstration, but it was turned down by the authoritieswithout any explanation.
Despite the denial, dozens of supporters gathered in the capital, prompting swift intervention from law enforcement officers who dispersed the crowd and detained several participants.
Human rights observers have expressed concern over the arrests, calling for a more balanced approach that safeguards civil liberties while maintaining public order. Meanwhile, GALA has vowed to continue its campaign through legal and peaceful means.
The incident has reignited national conversations around the right to protest, government accountability, and the limits of state authority in regulating public assembly.
As the detainees are expected to be released soon, civil society actors are urging dialogue and reform to prevent similar confrontations in the future.
