This was no ordinary protest. It was a moment born out of years of frustration, failed promises, and silent suffering. Organised by Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), the protest marked a historic turning point. Ordinary citizens: market vendors, students, artists, and professionals stood shoulder to shoulder, chanting “End Corruption! Save Our Wealth! Deliver Services Efficiently!” The slogans were not mere words, but the collective cry of a nation pushed to the edge.
Fallou Gallas Ceesay, program and administrative director of GALA, stood before the crowd and reminded them why they had come. People had made sacrifices, some left their workplaces, others walked miles, and many came without food or transportation. We are not just fighting for ourselves, we are fighting for our future. Poverty is not our fate; it has been imposed on us by thieves.”
Babucarr Sey, GALA deputy spokesperson, stood beside Gallas and spoke with quiet pride. He said that the movement had proven critics wrong. “We are law-abiding citizens,” he said. “They thought we would be violent. But look at us disciplined, organised, and united.”
The protest wasn’t just about marching it was about action. Throughout the day, protesters lined up not for food or money, but to sign petitions addressed to the Office of the President, the Ministry of Energy, the National Assembly, the Gambia Police Force, and the Gambia Football Federation. Each signature symbolised a refusal to accept the status quo and a demand for accountability.
GALA’s demands are direct and uncompromising. They want the full recovery and public accounting of looted state assets, especially those tied to former president Yahya Jammeh. They are calling for transparency in the sale of Jammeh’s properties, which they alleged were sold below market value to connected individuals. They want the full recommendations of the Janneh Commission made public and acted upon. They are demanding justice for the 66 children who died from contaminated cough syrup and holding the government responsible for failing to protect its people. They are calling out the Gambia Ports Authority for a 300 million dalasi scandal, pushing for lower tariffs at NAWEC, and insisting that public officials face prosecution not just exposure.
Hussain Ceesay, a popular Gambian musician and influencer, explained his reason for marching. “We can’t even earn a living from our music,” he said. “Prices are skyrocketing. People can’t access medicine. This is not just about music, it’s about survival.”
Beside him stood Tida Jobe, another youth influencer, who said that young people are tired of waiting for things to improve. “Since independence, we have been told to be patient. But enough is enough. We have reached our limit. That’s why we are here.”
For protester Abubacarr Makalo, corruption was not just a political issue, it was a life-or-death matter. He spoke of the impact on hospitals, rising maternal deaths and the feeling of hopelessness when citizens know where the money went but see no justice. “Corruption has caused more suffering than war,” he said.
Sonna Jarjue said that the fight must begin at home, adding every Gambian has a role to play.
Adama Sonko, a young activist, emphasised the urgency of acting now. She reminded the crowd of the 66 children who lost their lives and said, “We may recover stolen money, but we will never bring back lost lives. That’s why we must act. Our future depends on it.”
Throughout the protest, five official petitions were hand-delivered to key institutions. They carried the voices of the people and a clear warning: the youth are watching, and they are no longer willing to be silent.
GALA has promised to keep the momentum going through more peaceful protests, civic education campaigns, and pressure on lawmakers.
