By: Kemo Kanyi
The opposition party, APP-Sobeya has strongly condemned comments made by Minister Demba Sabally against its leader Essa Faal, describing the utterances as disturbing intent to criminalise dissent and undermines freedom of citizens.
APP-Sobeya’s condemnation came in the wake of Minister Sabally’s remarks that Essa Faal and Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe would be arrested if they join unauthorized protesters again.
The party stated that any attempt to arrest or intimidate Essa Mbye Faal or Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe would face unyielding resistance from APP-Sobeyaa and the Gambian people. It said its leader, a distinguished advocate for truth and justice, has stood shoulder to shoulder with the youth of The Gambia, 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,” APP-Sobeya emphasized.
It added that the “threats” aimed at silencing the principled stand alongside with Gambian youth protesting for transparency and accountability and they “constituted a brazen assault on the democratic values of the country.”
“We unequivocally condemn this attempt to intimidate and suppress the voices of those who dare to demand justice and uphold the rule of law,” the opposition party noted.
The party further cautioned the minister and the government to “tread carefully,” stressing that the rule of law was the bedrock of the country’s democracy, and any action that undermined it would not only violate the Constitution of The Gambia but also ignite the righteous indignation of a people determined to protect their hard-won liberties.
“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, demand transparency and protect those who speak truth to power,” the statement added.
APP-Sobeyaa concluded by reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the rule of law, transparency and the protection of democratic principles.
