By: Isatou Sarr
Some of the youths recently arrested and remanded at Mile 2 Central Prison have called on the government to respect their rights, address their concerns, and improve conditions at the prison.
Speaking to journalists following their release recently, Alieu Sarr, one of the detained youths, said he was not only speaking as a student but also as a victim who was “unjustly detained for exercising my constitutional right to peaceful assembly.”
“I stand here today as the voice of the students, a voice that refuses to be silenced, a voice that echoes the pain and struggle of young Gambians who simply want a fair chance at a better future,” he stated.
Sarr stressed that the protest was not only about the price floor on internet services, but also about the arrest and detention of 44 young people, including students and activists. “Is this the price we pay for raising our voices?” he asked.
He added that while the government announced the formation of a committee to look into the matter, students demand action rather than “promises and press releases.” He urged authorities to view affordable internet as a necessity, not a luxury, saying: “It’s the tool we need to learn, to grow, to connect with the world, and to build a better Gambia.”
Another detained youth, Badou Gambia, said he lost his schooling as a result of the protest but remained committed to his country. “Some people choose the back way, but I stayed because I love The Gambia. We want leaders that will stand for the country, and youths are ready to sacrifice for it,” he stated.
Badou described the harsh conditions he faced in Mile 2, claiming that he was the youngest detainee there. “My body was destroyed by insects, I could not sleep. We are all human, and the government should increase the size of the rooms in Mile 2,” he remarked.
The youths reaffirmed their resolve to continue advocating for justice, accountability, and opportunity, urging the government to listen to the voices of young people and address their demands.