The 1997 Constitution of The Gambia, under Section 25(1)(d), guarantees every citizen the right to "assemble and demonstrate peaceably and without arms." This right is not limited to ordinary citizens but extends to elected officials, activists, and all individuals who wish to express their grievances lawfully. Mayor Lowe and Essa Mbye Faal, like any other Gambian, have the full right to participate in peaceful protests without fear of political persecution.
Minister Sabally’s statement is an abuse of power
For a sitting Minister to openly threaten arrest and imprisonment for exercising a constitutional right is an abuse of authority and a clear violation of democratic principles. Such statements undermine the rule of law and create a climate of fear and intimidation. The UDP reminds the Barrow administration that The Gambia is a democracy, not a dictatorship where dissenting voices are crushed with threats.
The UDP demands:
- An immediate retraction and apology from Minister Sabally for his inflammatory remarks.
- A public assurance from the government that it will respect and protect citizens' rights to peaceful assembly.
- A warning against political victimization, no one should be targeted for exercising their democratic freedoms.
The UDP calls on the Gambia National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to urgently address this matter. Public officials must not be allowed to intimidate citizens with unlawful threats, and the NHRC has a duty to investigate and condemn such violations of fundamental rights.
The UDP stands firmly with the youths of this nation, Mayor Rohey Lowe, Essa Mbye Faal, and all Gambians who choose to protest peacefully for a better future. We will not tolerate any attempts to silence dissent or intimidate citizens into submission.
The Gambia has fought hard to move away from the dark days of dictatorship. We urge the government to act responsibly and uphold the democratic values that our people sacrificed for.
