Africa-Press – Gambia. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed deep concern over the police response to recent protests against the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), following the arrest and remand of 23 youths at Mile II Central Prison.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the Commission condemned what it described as the “heavy-handedness” of law enforcement officers and the use of tear gas to disperse demonstrators outside the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court on 25th August 2025.
The protest, initially staged on 22nd August, was organized by youth activists to submit a petition to PURA over its controversial decision to impose a data price floor for mobile internet services. Nineteen protestors were arrested on the day, with further arrests reported days later, including 14 individuals allegedly on their way to the National Assembly.
According to the NHRC, its team of legal and investigative officers were on the ground monitoring events, visiting detainees in various police stations including Kairaba, Kotu, Bakoteh, and Kanifing. The Commission also monitored court proceedings to ensure the rights of the accused were upheld.
“The Commission is deeply concerned with the developments and condemns the manner in which some law enforcement officials handled the events, particularly the heavy-handedness of officers and the indiscriminate firing of tear gas,” the statement read.
The NHRC reminded the state of its obligations under Section 25(1)(d) and (e) of the 1997 Constitution—which guarantees the rights to freedom of assembly and association—as well as international treaties ratified by The Gambia.
The Commission reiterated earlier recommendations, including amending Section 5 of the Public Order Act to eliminate the requirement for police permits for public gatherings. It proposed replacing the permit system with a simple notification procedure and aligning national laws with international human rights standards.
The NHRC also called for better training for police in crowd management and human rights, stating that the Gambia Police Force has already been provided with guidelines on the policing of public assemblies.
With the 2026 electoral cycle approaching, the Commission stressed the importance of respecting fundamental rights during this politically sensitive period.
“The Commission reiterates the urgent need for the Government to uphold its human rights obligations… not only as The Gambia continues its democratic journey, but also as the country heads towards the 2026 electoral cycle,” it stated.
The NHRC urged the Government to: Withdraw all charges against detained protestors, engage in meaningful dialogue with citizens, amend Section 5 of the Public Order Act, conduct a comprehensive review of the Act to align it with human rights obligations, and incorporate training on crowd control and public assembly management into the police curriculum.
It also urged protestors and rights holders to remain peaceful and respectful during assemblies, avoid violence, incitement, or property destruction, refrain from abusive or threatening language, cooperate with law enforcement to ensure public safety.
The statement concluded with a call for mutual respect between citizens and the authorities to preserve peace and stability, echoing the Commission’s motto: “Let justice guide our actions.”
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