Africa-Press – Gambia. The arrest of protesters opposing the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority’s (PURA) decision to impose a mandatory price floor of D50 per gigabyte for mobile data has sparked public outrage and renewed scrutiny over the state of The Gambia’s security sector reform.
The controversy stems from the conduct of Police Superintendent Lamin Sarr during the demonstration, which many citizens described as heavy-handed and inconsistent with democratic policing standards. Videos widely circulated on social media have fueled criticism, capturing tense confrontations between Sarr, protesters, and his subordinate officers.
In one clip, Superintendent Sarr is seen sternly warning a junior officer to enforce arrests or face consequences.
“I don’t want to see anybody around, I mean it, and I mean it. If you cannot do it, I will disperse all of you, and I will post my men,” he shouted while pointing at the officer.
Another video shows Sarr ordering the arrest of activist Killa Ace after he responded, “We are lawful,” when questioned by police.
The incident has ignited debates about the limits of police authority, the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly, and the broader role of security forces in a democratic society. Many critics argue the episode highlights persistent challenges in ensuring accountability and professionalism within the police.
Since the country’s democratic transition, The Gambia has pursued reforms to modernize its security sector. However, this latest incident has raised doubts about the effectiveness of those efforts, with growing calls for stronger oversight, transparency, and a policing approach that safeguards human rights and citizen safety.
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