By: Binta Jaiteh
The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG), a pressure group Monday condemned Works and Transport Minister Ebrima Sillah for urging supporters of the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) to stage a counter-protest against anti-corruption activists.
In a strongly worded statement, the civic group described Minister Sillah’s remarks as “reckless,” accusing him of attempting to stifle peaceful dissent and undermine the fight against corruption.
“GALA is a non-partisan civic platform committed to exposing corruption and promoting transparency,” CoPG said, referring to the Gambia Alliance for Leadership and Accountability (GALA), which recently organised an anti-corruption protest in Banjul.
The group claimed that instead of backing calls for accountability, the Minister has chosen to “defend corruption by attacking those demanding justice,” and inciting “partisan resistance” at a time when Gambians are seeking principled leadership.
CoPG further stated that Sillah’s comments amount to a betrayal of democratic values and an abuse of office. “Any counter-protest inspired by the NPP or its ministers is a clear attempt to intimidate citizens and suppress dissent,” the group said.
They urged Gambians to reject what they termed a “dangerous charade,” stressing that the issue at hand transcends politics.
“This is about your future, your dignity, and your right to a country free from theft, nepotism, and injustice,” the statement read.
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful and lawful activism, the group declared: “No counter-protest, no propaganda, and no political muscle will silence the people’s cry for change.”
CoPG called on President Adama Barrow to publicly distance himself from Minister Sillah’s remarks and take disciplinary action.
“We remain committed to the unshakable demand for system change until corruption is no longer protected, but punished,” the statement concluded.
