Camara further told the press that GALA is fighting against injustice and corruption in the country. He said they are not people who do not respect the law but are law-abiding citizens of the country.
Camara also rubbished claims that GALA is a violent movement that always clashes with the police.
“People have this perception that we are violent, but we want to make it clear that those are just mere allegations because we are not violent. We have always been provoked so that people can see us that way but we are not,” he said.
It would be recalled that on 8 May 2026, members of the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) arrested 14 members of GALA at Westfield Youth Monument while preparing to celebrate their first anniversary.
The arrested youth were arraigned before Magistrate Binta Sowe of the Kanifing Magistrates Court on the 11th of May 2026 where they pleaded not guilty and were subsequently released on bail.
Alieu Bah, a member of GALA said the Gambia Police Force and the government always projected them as “unruly, arrogant, ignorant and rude or undesirable things” of the society.
“We all come from homes. We are Gambians and we all know what it means to be a Gambian. It is very good that we clear these misconceptions. Because anytime we are arrested people start asking why we are always fighting with the police. We are not fighting with the police. In fact, it is the police that are fighting us,” Bah told the press.
Bah further said that as a movement they only go out with their voices as weapons. He said they never go out with guns, bombs or any weapon. Bah also criticised how the police always handled them whenever there was a confrontation with them.
“You have all seen how I have been arrested a couple of times in this country. You have never seen any one of us arresting a police officer like that by throwing them in a pickup. I want to tell Gambians that we are at your service and we are here for you,” he said.
Bah further stated that the wealth of the country must go back to the people and not individuals. He said no one should go to bed hungry in the country, especially a child.
He continued: “How many children are going to bed hungry when there are enough resources to put food on the table for them. We need to fight this because it is rising.”
A few hours after the press conference, GALA announced that the Inspector General of Police agreed to provide security for their gathering today following a meeting with him at his office in Banjul.
“Upon arrival, the delegation was received by the Inspector General of Police, where constructive discussions were held regarding the peaceful conduct of the event. We are pleased to inform the public that the Gambia Police Force has agreed to provide security during the gathering to help ensure a peaceful, orderly, and successful commemoration,” GALA said in a statement.
GALA further described today's event as an important moment of reflection on the movement’s journey so far, the sacrifices made, and the continued collective resistance against corruption, impunity, and the looting of the national assets.
