By: Isatou Sarr
National Assembly Member for Banjul North, Momodou Lamin B. Bah, says his life and work are at risk following a warning from President Adama Barrow over a peaceful candlelight protest he led to the State House.
In a public statement issued on his Facebook on 20th October 2026, Hon. Bah said he has reason to believe his safety is in danger as a consequence of the protest, adding that he will not be silenced for representing his constituents.
This follows remarks by President Barrow, who warned Bah against attempting to lead another protest to the State House and described his previous action as a treasonable offence.
Hon. Bah, however, defended the protest, describing it as a peaceful gathering organized to demand accountability, dignity and respect in governance. He said participants carried candles rather than weapons.
The lawmaker maintained that the protest was conducted lawfully and that prior notification was given as required by law. He cited Section 25 of the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia, which guarantees fundamental freedoms, including freedom of assembly.
“A President who sees a peaceful candlelight protest as a threat to the state, rather than as a voice of the people, has lost touch with the people,” Bah said in the statement.
He held President Barrow personally responsible should anything happen to him or any member of his family, although he did not provide specific details of any alleged threats in the statement.
Hon. Bah called on the Inspector General of Police to guarantee the security of himself and his family. He also urged the Speaker and leadership of the National Assembly to defend parliamentary independence and immunity.
He further appealed to the National Human Rights Commission, the Gambia Bar Association, civil society organisations, religious leaders and the media to support what he described as a call for justice.
The Banjul North lawmaker also called on ECOWAS, the African Union, the United Nations, the European Union and diplomatic missions in The Gambia to monitor what he described as a deteriorating environment for dissent.
Addressing his constituents, Bah said he remained committed to his responsibilities despite the warning. “I have committed no crime. I have only represented my people,” he said.
He concluded by urging the people of Banjul North not to be intimidated, reaffirming his commitment to serving them.