The scars of the past remain fresh. Citizens endured years of suppression, arbitrary arrests, and brutal crackdowns. It is precisely because of this history that the police must now demonstrate a clear departure from those practices. The way in which they respond to public demonstrations must reflect the values of a democratic society rooted in respect for human rights and civil liberties.
Protests, whether authorised or spontaneous, are a form of expression. They are often the voice of the unheard, the frustrated, and the hopeful. Heavy-handed responses, indiscriminate arrests, and intimidation tactics only serve to deepen mistrust and reignite painful memories of repression.
We therefore call on the police to exercise restraint, professionalism, and empathy in their approach to handling protests. The rule of law must prevail, but it must do so with fairness, proportionality, and a commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens.
The Gambia has come a long way. Let us not allow old habits to undermine the progress we have fought so hard to achieve.
The incident that unfolded yesterday at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court was deeply concerning and, in our view, entirely avoidable. The situation could have been brought under control had the police taken a more measured and communicative approach with the youth who staged a sit-in at the court gates.
Rather than resorting to force, the police should have engaged in dialogue with the demonstrators, explaining that they were merely executing a lawful order issued by the magistrate to remand certain individuals in custody. A calm and transparent explanation might have defused tensions and prevented the escalation witnessed.
Equally, the youth, particularly those who blocked the court entrance, must recognise that obstructing judicial proceedings is not the appropriate course of action. While their frustrations may be valid, the police were acting under the authority of the court and should not have been targeted.
Furthermore, the events at Westfield raise serious concerns about the indiscriminate use of teargas in densely populated areas. Westfield is one of the busiest locations in the country, and deploying teargas without proper planning or consideration for bystanders is reckless. Innocent civilians, including an infant, were reportedly affected despite having no involvement in the protest.
The police must adopt a more strategic and thoughtful approach when managing public demonstrations. Before deploying crowd-control measures such as teargas, a thorough assessment of the area and potential impact on civilians must be conducted to avoid unnecessary harm.
The right to protest is a cornerstone of any democratic society. It must be respected and protected not suppressed. We urge the police to reflect on these recent events and adopt a more restrained, strategic, and rights-based approach moving forward.