Africa-Press – Gambia. The activist group Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) has issued a stern warning of possible severe consequences after accusing the Government of The Gambia of obstructing its formal registration as a legal association.
In a press release issued this week, GALA alleged that officials at the Attorney General’s Chambers—specifically Registrar Marie Gomes—acted in concert with state authorities to block the group’s registration, despite its full compliance with legal requirements.
“Let it be known that we were trying to exist as a legal entity in order to pursue diplomatic means to solving problems, but it is clear that this Government does not understand any other language except protests. This time, the consequences could be severe because GALA is going to exist, with or without the state’s approval,” the group stated.
GALA reported that, despite meeting all the formal requirements for registering an association, their application was rejected.
The group further stated that they were verbally informed that the registration was denied because the association’s name includes the word “Gambians.”
GALA stated that it had drawn the authorities’ attention to the law, which prohibits and restricts the use of the name “The Gambia”—not “Gambians.” The organization also made it explicitly clear that it neither seeks nor intends to benefit from any government patronage. “They still disregarded the law blatantly and insisted on not having us registered,” the group said.
GALA cited Section 25 of the 1997 Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of association, arguing that the government’s refusal represents a direct violation of that constitutional protection.
“It is important to note that as per Section 25 of the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia and other related laws, it is our fundamental right to form and establish an association, and by doing so, we deemed it necessary to follow the due process and fulfilled the requirements accordingly,” GALA noted in its press release.
Framing itself as a grassroots, citizen-led movement, GALA described its mission as a fight against corruption and a call for transparency and accountability in public life—efforts, it said, that are rooted in democratic principles and the rule of law.
“So every genuine individual or body should contribute their quota and act in good faith to support our creation. Stop playing with Gambians. The law should be applied equally to all, and yes, “Be you ever so high, the law is above you,” GALA’s release stated.
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