However, in a press release obtained by The Point, the group strongly denied any wrongdoing, stating that the 2,000 dalasis shared among its executive members was solely intended as a transport refund.
GALA said the payment was modest and transparent, and aimed at covering logistical costs incurred during their recent activities.
“Let’s be honest and transparent with the public,” said Ousainou Gambia, former Logistics Officer of Gambia Against Looted Assets (GALA). “We were scrambling over Diaspora funds between ourselves and Team Gom Sa Bopa, and we deliberately resisted any joint fundraising efforts with them.”
He alleged that GALA members feared Team Gom Sa Bopa would demand a 50/50 share of the funds raised, which they were unwilling to accept. “That’s the real reason we pushed for separate fundraising,” he added. “We wanted full control of the money.”
Ousainou further claimed that this internal rivalry has led to growing tensions among youth activists, with some now accusing each other of trying to claim ownership of protests. “No wonder young people are talking about ‘protest ownership’, it’s all rooted in the scramble for recognition and resources,” he said.
“No wonder we began sharing some of the funds among ourselves, justifying it as compensation for the sacrifices we were making. But imagine if the very authorities we’re holding accountable turned around and said they were distributing public money among themselves for the sacrifices they claim to be making for the nation. Wouldn’t we call that corruption?
Ousainou continued: “We envied the fact that Team Gom Sa Bopa took the lead in the PURA protest, which may have overshadowed GALA’s visibility. At the same time, Team Gom Sa Bopa were reportedly unhappy that GALA appeared to be taking credit for the protest, as most media outlets were referencing GALA in their coverage, or at least, that’s what many of us assumed.”
“Tensions escalated between members of both groups, particularly during efforts to secure the release of the 23 detained youths. It’s even alleged that disagreements broke out between some members while they were still in custody. Unless people are willing to be honest and come forward to validate these claims, the truth will remain buried”
In its press release, GALA said: “The Central Committee of GALA has noted with concern an allegation circulating regarding the sum of D2,000 allegedly shared among its members. For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to make the following clarification.”
“From inception to date, the Central Committee has convened over ten (10) meetings in (3) different Locations, organized more than six (6) press conferences across three different locations, and attended eleven (11) engagements at the Police Headquarters, ranging from permit submissions to screening sessions. Additionally, some members of the Central Committee have had to travel to distant areas such as Gunjur to effectively represent the movement.”
“For four (4) consecutive months, these activities were carried out without any form of reimbursement to the individuals involved. In recognition of this sacrifice, and in line with global organizational practice where mobility and facilitation are accorded to those running the errands of the organization, the Central Committee collectively agreed that each member be given a modest facilitation allowance of D2,000.”
“This was not a payout for personal enrichment, nor was it a sharing of donated funds. Rather, it was a facilitation measure to support continued dedication to the work of the movement and to ensure that the Central Committee remains empowered to carry out the demands of the struggle.”
“Furthermore, it is important to note that members of the movement who own vehicles have committed to making them available for the service of GALA whenever the need arises. This demonstrates our self-sacrifice and our commitment to ensuring the smooth functioning of the organization.”
“The Central Committee reaffirms its unwavering dedication to transparency, accountability, and service to the cause.”
Aside from the official press release issued by the GALA Central Committee, executive members including Kex Sanneh, Omar Touray, and Hakeem Touray took to their personal Facebook pages to clarify the situation. They firmly debunked any suggestions of mismanagement or wrongdoing.
Subsequently, Ousainou Gambia also issued a written apology for his earlier remarks, acknowledging that his statement was driven by emotion.
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