The United Democratic Party (UDP) has issued a strong statement condemning recent comments by the Minister of Agriculture, Demba Sabally, who threatened to have Banjul Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe and lawyer Essa Mbye Faal arrested if they take part in peaceful protests. The party described the remarks as an “abuse of authority” and a violation of the constitutional rights of all Gambians.
Citing Section 25 (1) (d) of the 1997 Constitution, the UDP reminded the Barrow administration that the right to peaceful assembly is protected by law and applies to every citizen, including elected officials and civil society actors. The party is calling for an apology from the minister, a public assurance from the government to uphold democratic rights, and action from the National Human Rights Commission.
Below we reproduce the full press release:
UDP Condemns Minister Demba Sabally’s Threat to Arrest Mayor Rohey Lowe and Essa Mbye Faal, Calls for Respect for Democratic Rights
The United Democratic Party (UDP) strongly condemns the reckless and undemocratic threats made by the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Demba Sabally, against Banjul Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe and lawyer Essa Mbye Faal. The Minister’s statement that they would “arrested and sent to jail” if they join youths in peaceful demonstrations is not only unconstitutional but a dangerous attack on the fundamental rights of all Gambians.
The 1997 Constitution of The Gambia, under *Section 25(1)(d), guarantees every citizen the right to “assemble and demonstrate peaceably and without arms.”* This right is not limited to ordinary citizens but extends to elected officials, activists, and all individuals who wish to express their grievances lawfully. Mayor Lowe and Essa Mbye Faal, like any other Gambian, have the full right to participate in peaceful protests without fear of political persecution.
Minister Sabally’s statement is an abuse of power
For a sitting Minister to openly threaten arrest and imprisonment for exercising a constitutional right is an abuse of authority and a clear violation of democratic principles. Such statements undermine the rule of law and create a climate of fear and intimidation. The UDP reminds the Barrow administration that The Gambia is a democracy, not a dictatorship where dissenting voices are crushed with threats.
The UDP demands:
1. An immediate retraction and apology from Minister Sabally for his inflammatory remarks.
2. A public assurance from the government that it will respect and protect citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.
3. A warning against political victimization, no one should be targeted for exercising their democratic freedoms.
The UDP calls on the Gambia National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to urgently address this matter. Public officials must not be allowed to intimidate citizens with unlawful threats, and the NHRC has a duty to investigate and condemn such violations of fundamental rights.
The UDP stands firmly with the youths of this nation, Mayor Rohey Lowe, Essa Mbye Faal, and all Gambians who choose to protest peacefully for a better future. We will not tolerate any attempts to silence dissent or intimidate citizens into submission.
The Gambia has fought hard to move away from the dark days of dictatorship. We urge the government to act responsibly and uphold the democratic values that our people sacrificed for.
UDP Media Team
