“The issue is not a political issue; it’s a purely public order issue. If the police go to Madiana today or Kiang and arrest people for supposedly committing a crime, what has that got to do with the presidency?” he said.
The minister pushed back against growing public criticism surrounding the arrests linked to GALA’s one-year anniversary activities, saying people were unfairly dragging the presidency into routine police operations.
“It’s not directives from the president to say go arrest people who are seen to be violating the law, that’s a purely policing issue,” he stated.
He went further to defend President Barrow, arguing that the president’s attention is focused on national development rather than activist movements.
“Adama Barrow has more important issues to deal with than personal policing issues. What Adama Barrow has time for is the promises he made to the Gambian people building roads, hospitals, strengthening education, empowering women and creating jobs for young people,” he said.
Despite the controversy, Dr Ceesay maintains that the government does not view GALA as enemies, describing members of the movement as passionate young Gambians concerned about their country.
“We believe in dialogue in a democracy; our doors are open for dialogue. If you have any issues you want us to discuss, you can sit on the table and discuss it and find common solutions,” he advised.
He however cautioned against politicising the arrests, insisting there is nothing absolutely that can link GALA to Adama Barrow.
