Africa-Press – Gambia. Ebrima Sorrie Bah, who identifies as a concerned Gambian, is working with a group calling itself the Gambian Patriotic Citizens to seek a police permit for a peaceful protest against the Gambia Immigration Department (GID). The planned demonstration aims to highlight and challenge growing public concerns over the department’s continued issuance of Gambian national identity cards to individuals residing outside the country.
“This is in connection to the GID’s ongoing mass issuance of ID cards in foreign countries like Mauritania, Togo, and Gabon,” Bah said.
Bah questioned whether the GID is following proper procedures and conducting adequate vetting of recipients of the ID cards. He said the group, comprising members from various political parties, civil society organizations, and the Gambian diaspora, is demanding that the GID publish a detailed report outlining the criteria used for the exercise, as well as the names and personal details of all beneficiaries.
Bah further raised concerns about the potential political implications of the ID card issuance. He alleged that the move could be part of a broader effort by President Adama Barrow and the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) to issue Gambian ID cards to non-citizens. According to him, this could allow such individuals to obtain voter cards and influence the outcome of the 2026 presidential elections.
“They may eventually access Voter’s Cards to vote for NPP in the crucial 2026 presidential elections that they are poised to lose. This is due to the current socioeconomic hardship and failings of the Barrow regime,” he said.
In addition to the protest, Bah said the group is considering seeking a High Court injunction to halt the ID issuance exercise until an independent investigation is conducted and the findings made public.
He was, however, quick to clarify that the initiative is not politically motivated nor targeted at Gambians living in the mentioned countries. Stating, “However, it’s worth noting that this action is not influenced by any political party. It’s equally not directed against Gambians in the affected countries but rather all about legality, transparency, and public confidence.”
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