Jah acknowledged that many Gambians support GALA’s anti-corruption stance, but cautioned that activism must operate within the boundaries of the law. “Fighting corruption is everyone’s interest,” he said, “but if we go back to democracy, there is rule of law. One must not take the law into his own hands.”
He emphasised that democracy does not grant individuals or groups the freedom to act unilaterally. “Democracy is not authorizing you to do anything you feel like doing,” he said. “To avoid conflict, everything has procedures.”
He pointed out that parliament has already established a committee to investigate corruption allegations, and suggested that GALA’s demands may already be under review by law enforcement. “You cannot just come out to demand that government must do something, otherwise you will protest,” he warned.
Jah questioned whether GALA had the legal authority to issue ultimatums to the government. “Are you authorised by law? You must abide by the law and know your limitations,” he said, adding: “You’re not the only citizens in the country, everything has a procedure.”
Dodou Jah stressed the importance of maintaining peace and avoiding confrontational tactics. “If you choose to forcefully act and someone else forcefully acts, it will result in chaos,” he said. “If you’re fighting for something, and aiming to seize government, that amounts to two different things.”
He warned that the group’s activities risk being politicised and perceived as an attempt to undermine the government. “They must be careful - are they fighting corruption or wanting to change the government? If you put the two together, it may result in something else.”
Jah also raised concerns about alleged corruption within local councils, claiming that some GALA members linked to those councils have remained silent. “At their workplace or where they are nominated, there is alleged corruption, but they are not talking about it,” he said.
He criticised GALA’s use of the term “looted assets,” arguing that it implies guilt before investigations are complete. “The group is confirming the looting whilst the investigation is incomplete,” he said.
Jah further questioned the legality of the organisation’s name, noting that the judiciary had previously rejected its registration due to the inclusion of “Gambia.” He argued that any organisation bearing the country’s name must be a government entity or affiliate.
He offered several recommendations to the group, ranging from revisiting the purpose and constitution of the organisation, to avoiding issuing timelines to the government - which only the Cabinet, Legislature and National Assembly are authorised to do, and focusing on internal accountability before pointing fingers at others.
“Gambian youth should seek guidance from elders and engage in constructive dialogue. Some groups are created but they die before they were born,” he said. “There’s no provision in our laws that calls for unlawful activities.”
He cautioned against drawing parallels with foreign movements, emphasising The Gambia’s unique legal, cultural, and religious context. “Our countries are different in terms of law, culture, religion, and traditions. We must not take it that what happened in those countries must happen here.”
Jah concluded with a call for introspection and lawfulness, saying: “Address issues at your backyard before pointing fingers at others. “Governments are established by laws. Youth must be law-abiding.”
