Africa-Press – Gambia. The All People’s Party-Sobeyaa (APP-Sobeyaa) stands in resolute defiance against the reckless and authoritarian threats issued by the Minister of Agriculture to arrest our esteemed party leader, Essa Mbye Faal, and the Mayor of Banjul, Rohey Malick Lowe. These threats, aimed at silencing their principled stand alongside Gambian youth protesting for transparency and accountability in the handling of former President Yahya Jammeh’s seized assets, constitute a brazen assault on the democratic values we hold dear. We unequivocally condemn this attempt to intimidate and suppress the voices of those who dare to demand justice and uphold the rule of law.
It is hereby stated that any attempt to arrest or intimidate Essa Mbye Faal or Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe will face unyielding resistance from APP-Sobeyaa and the Gambian people. Our leader, a distinguished advocate for truth and justice, has stood shoulder to shoulder with the youth of this nation, amplifying their legitimate demands for clarity on the disposal of Jammeh’s assets and the identities of those who profited from their sale. This is not a crime; it is a patriotic duty. The Minister’s threats reveal a disturbing intent to criminalise dissent and undermine the democratic freedoms Gambians fought so hard to secure.
We caution the Minister and the government to tread carefully. The rule of law is the bedrock of our democracy, and any action that undermines it will not only violate the Constitution of The Gambia but also ignite the righteous indignation of a people determined to protect their hard-won liberties. The Gambia is not a fiefdom where ministers can wield power with impunity, nor is it a place where threats can silence the pursuit of justice. The days of authoritarian overreach are behind us, and we will not allow them to return under the guise of governance.
The Minister’s statement, which has sparked widespread outrage on social media, reveals a government rattled by the courage of its citizens. We call on all Gambians, youth, elders, activists, and patriots, to stand firm against this intimidation. The vibrancy of our democracy depends on our collective resolve to hold power to account, to demand transparency, and to protect those who speak truth to power. APP-Sobeyaa salutes the youth who have taken to the streets, not with violence, but with conviction, demanding answers about the assets of a regime that plundered our nation for over two decades. Their cause is just, and their voices will not be silenced.
To the international community, we appeal for vigilance. The Gambia’s democratic journey is under threat, and the world must not stand idly by as leaders resort to tactics reminiscent of the dark days of repression. We urge our partners in the African Union, ECOWAS, and the United Nations to hold the Gambian government accountable for its democratic commitments.
APP-Sobeyaa reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the rule of law, transparency, and the protection of democratic principles. Threats will not intimidate us, nor will we waver in our pursuit of a Gambia where justice prevails and every citizen’s voice is heard. To the Minister of Agriculture, we deliver this unequivocal message: retract your threats, respect the rights of all Gambians, and uphold the democratic ideals that define our nation. Failure to do so will only strengthen our resolve and galvanise the people’s demand for accountability.
The Gambia is watching. The world is watching. History will judge those who choose to stand on the side of oppression rather than justice. APP-Sobeyaa stands with the people, and we will not back down.
Signed,
Ousainou Bobb
National Spokesperson, All People’s Party-Sobeyaa (APP-Sobeyaa)
For a Transparent, Just, and Democratic Gambia
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