The recent response by security forces to youth-led protests against the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has once again brought The Gambia’s approach to public assemblies under critical scrutiny. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in its latest press release, raised serious concerns over the excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests, and the continued reliance on outdated legislation like the Public Order Act to suppress dissent.
What transpired on 22nd and 25th August 2025 is a troubling reminder that, despite constitutional guarantees, the right to peaceful assembly in The Gambia remains fragile. Tear gas fired on unarmed demonstrators, and the remanding of 23 young citizens to Mile II Prison over an unauthorized but peaceful protest is not only disproportionate but also counterproductive in a democratic society.
The NHRC’s call for the amendment of Section 5 of the Public Order Act from a permit-based system to a simple notification process is not new. Yet, the urgency for reform has never been more apparent. Democracy thrives on civic engagement, not intimidation.
We must recognize that protecting human rights and maintaining public order are not mutually exclusive goals. Law enforcement must be equipped legally and professionally to manage assemblies without infringing on basic freedoms. At the same time, protestors must exercise their rights responsibly, with respect for others and the rule of law.
As The Gambia moves toward the 2026 electoral cycle, the time to act is now. The government must show leadership by embracing reform, dialogue, and accountability. Anything less risks eroding the democratic gains Gambians have worked so hard to achieve.