The Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (TANGO) has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of members of Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), describing the incident as part of a troubling pattern of harassment against peaceful citizens.
In a statement released on 9 May 2026, the umbrella body of civil society groups said the police crackdown during GALA’s one-year anniversary commemoration at the Youth Monument—reportedly approved by the Kanifing Municipal Council—was “deeply disturbing” and undermined constitutional freedoms.
TANGO accused the Gambia Police Force of abusing authority and disregarding due process, warning that repeated interference in civic activities threatens democratic space. The organisation noted that GALA and other youth activists have faced arrests and prosecutions in recent months for peaceful protests demanding accountability and transparency.
The group also criticised the continued use of the Public Order Act to restrict assemblies, calling it outdated and inconsistent with democratic standards. It urged authorities to implement reforms recommended by the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), which highlighted the dangers of unchecked state power.
TANGO further called on the National Assembly to investigate recurring incidents of alleged abuse of power, stressing that oversight and accountability are essential to democratic governance.
“Peaceful civic engagement is not a threat to national security but a cornerstone of democratic development,” the statement concluded, urging authorities to respect constitutional freedoms and protect civic space.
