Africa-Press – Gambia. A prominent Gambian economist and political commentator, Ousman Gagigo has strongly condemned the arrest and detention of over 20 youth protesters, calling on the government to release them immediately.
The protesters, who were arrested on Friday and Monday during demonstrations against the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority’s (PURA) decision to set a price floor for mobile data services, remain remanded at Mile II Central Prison. Their arrests have sparked widespread criticism, with Gagigo joining the growing list of voices opposing the government’s handling of the situation.
“Apparently, it is not always straightforward to recognize when one is on the wrong side of history,” Gagigo said in a public statement. “The fact that the government would detain youth activists protesting against the PURA price floor shows just how out of touch it is with the concerns of average Gambians.”
Gagigo described the government’s actions as serving “special interests” rather than the people, stating that the price floor policy has little to do with improving telecom services and more to do with protecting connected businesses.
“These detained Gambian patriots were protesting against misguided regulation and corruption… What they were fighting for and still continue to fight for is justice for their compatriots,” he said.
Calling the arrests unjust, Gagigo praised the protesters’ sacrifice and patriotism, stating they “deserve our utmost support and gratitude.”
He, therefore, urged President Adama Barrow’s administration to “do the right thing” and release the detainees. He added, “High-level officials of this regime can learn a great deal from these youths.”
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