Africa-Press – Gambia. Youth protesters in Brufut on Wednesday asked the leader of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), Mama Kandeh, to leave their demonstration demanding justice for Ousainou Bojang and his sister, Amie Bojang, emphasizing that the protest is a citizen-led initiative.
The Bojang siblings were rearrested minutes after being acquitted and discharged by Justice Ebrima Jaiteh at the High Court, prompting widespread public anger and mobilizing the Gambia Against Looted Assets (GALA) protest.
Mama Kandeh attended the demonstration to show solidarity. However, several protesters openly challenged his presence, arguing that he had not previously supported the Bojang siblings’ case and that the protest was not a political platform.
Speaking to journalists, Kandeh said he attended not as a politician but as a concerned citizen. “I am here to prioritize peace and dialogue, not to campaign or solicit votes,” he stated. He added that he could not comment on ongoing court proceedings due to legal restrictions and urged the youth to maintain calm, noting that the primary goal of the protest—the release of the Bojang siblings—had been achieved.
Omar Saibo Camara, spokesperson for GALA, acknowledged Kandeh’s attendance and thanked him for showing support.
Residents also expressed frustration over government actions. Kaddy Jatta, a Brufut resident, described the use of tear gas during the protest as destructive. “We could not sell or even cook lunch because of the tear gas. This is an injustice and a violation of fundamental human rights. We called for a peaceful protest, but it turned violent when officers intervened,” she said.
Momodou Krubally criticized the government for ignoring the court ruling and using the situation to gauge public reaction. He stressed the importance of upholding judicial decisions and protecting citizens’ rights, adding that government actions contributed to tensions during the protest.
Following the demonstrations, the Gambia Police Force issued a statement confirming the release of Ousainou and Amie Bojang. Observers noted that the protest played a significant role in securing their freedom.
