By: Fatou Krubally
The Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) has strongly condemned recent allegations made by Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay, The Gambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa, describing her remarks as defamatory and politically charged.
In an audio circulated on social media, Jahumpa Ceesay claimed GALA is being influenced or financed by opposition figures, including APP leader Essa Mbye Faal, activist Pa Samba Jaw, and Juka Ceesay. GALA dismissed the accusations as “wholly unfounded” and “deliberately misleading.”
“We operate independently and without any political affiliation,” the group said in a statement issued on Saturday. “These baseless claims attack the integrity of our members and misrepresent our mission.”
The group also criticized Jahumpa Ceesay’s support for remarks made in Parliament by member of Sabach Sanjal Alagie Babou Ceesay, who referred to youth protesters as “cockroaches.” GALA described the comments alarming and contrary to democratic values.
GALA is demanding a public apology from the High Commissioner, warning that legal action may follow if the statement is not retracted.
Despite the controversy, GALA reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment, transparency, and accountability.
“We will not be silenced,” the statement concluded. “No amount of slander will derail our mission.”
