Africa-Press – Gambia. Hon. Ebrima Sillah, Minister of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure, has announced that the National People’s Party (NPP) intends to formally seek a permit to organize peaceful protests in defense of democracy in The Gambia.
While reaffirming the constitutional right of citizens to protest, Minister Sillah emphasized that the NPP remains committed to preserving peace and national stability.
“All the noise on social media won’t influence the outcome of elections—only those living in this country will vote,” Sillah stated. “Some individuals are using protests to provoke violence, but NPP youths will also take to the streets—not to incite unrest, but to demonstrate solidarity and defend our democracy.”
He added that any planned protest by the NPP would be conducted within the bounds of the law, stressing that the party would apply for the necessary permits.
“We want to make it clear that the streets do not belong to any particular group. Anyone who believes they can manipulate young people to incite chaos is only fooling themselves. We are committed to defending both the government and the democratic values of this country,” he stated.
He acknowledged that peaceful protest is a constitutional right but warned that any demonstrations that result in disorder will be dealt with according to the law.
“We fought alongside President Barrow for 22 years to ensure democracy prevails in The Gambia. If anyone believes they can sit on the sidelines and undermine that democracy by mobilizing people to cause instability, they should understand—no one owns the streets,” he added.
Minister Sillah urged small groups not to provoke or intimidate larger gatherings.
He explained, “If the larger group remains silent, it is because we are abiding by the law. Our president is a peaceful leader. Those who make noise on the radios today, presenting themselves as intellectuals, previously worked for international organizations and benefited for 22 years without ever speaking out against Yahya Jammeh’s regime, his brutality, or the killings that occurred. Yet now, they claim to champion democracy, insisting that they will either succeed or die trying to take power in 2026.”
The minister called on Gambians to refrain from misleading one another, emphasizing that democracy is about respectful debate within the boundaries of the law.
“To resort to insulting people—our elders and parents—is unacceptable. That is why we enacted legislation making it an offense to insult the president or any government official, with legal consequences for violations. This country is governed by law, and we must all respect it. In elections, the winner should govern and focus on national development. Threats to storm the State House regardless of the election outcome are simply political posturing, and I pray such actions do not come to pass,” he concluded.
The Works Minister also called on the residents of Wulingkama, Tranquil, Brusubi, Sukuta, and Brufut to embrace each other and support president Adama Barrow in 2026.
“We are neighbors here, we are the same one people, right now you all have seen the ongoing work happening in Brufut. Sabiji, Kerr Serign and the surrounding area. The development that has taken place is being seen there. Serrekunda and inside the Kombos up to the rural area the work done there is being seen. That same work should continue. So president barrow should win in 2026. People who are sitting doing nothing, will wake up in the morning, drink their tea and eat their bread then go to the internet and start making noise. Can you compare that to people working, helping the masses, operating our finances in a way that the constitution dictates, how can you have equal salary with those people, that’s impossible,” Sillah said.
Sillah called on supporters of the National People’s Party (NPP) to unite, demonstrate courage, and reject fear.
“NPP members, I ask you—if not President Barrow, then who else deserves to lead? Let us be courageous and stand together. Our peace, and that of the country, depends on the strength of the NPP,” Sillah urged. He cautioned against the rhetoric from other political parties that, despite lacking power, promise punitive actions against political figures if elected. “These parties have yet to assume power, yet they threaten to imprison individuals or deport them. But if they do come to power, what exactly will they do?” he questioned.
Sillah praised President Barrow as the sole political leader with a genuine vision for The Gambia—one who remains untainted by anger or tribalism. “He treats everyone equally. His character and conduct are the reasons we stand behind him. Under his leadership, we have witnessed unprecedented infrastructural development in the country—achievements not seen in the past five decades.”
He emphasized that President Barrow’s first term was dedicated to serving the people and earning their trust. “Those five years were also a period of reconciliation, following a time of turmoil marked by loss and unrest. The president called for unity to rebuild the nation, and today, we are united—except for those unwilling to accept this reality.”
Sillah highlighted that the same factions opposing them in 2021 have resumed their opposition. “Some have declared they won’t wait for the official results and vow to confront us at the State House. However, as the 2026 elections approach, the people have witnessed the president’s tangible progress across every constituency—be it through infrastructure, electricity, healthcare, or agricultural projects. These sustainable development efforts will continue into 2026.”
He further urged Gambians to disregard calls for President Adama Barrow not to seek a third term. “Anyone suggesting that President Barrow will not run is deceiving themselves. We have our candidate ready, and with confidence, he will contest and, God willing, win.”
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