Nyaninka Manjang, president of the University of The Gambia Students’ Union, has denounced the actions of protesting students, saying that “we are not puppets of the UTG Staff Association.”

The UTG Students’ Union leadership has faced criticism for distancing itself from the protesters, who are demanding the reinstatement of lecturers dismissed by the university for allegedly “peddling false claims.”

At a counter press conference, Nyaninka Manjang expressed remorse for the students affected by the recent events but swiftly condemned the protest approach.

“This is not what we hoped for or envisioned yesterday. A lot has been said about our personalities, and many allegations have been made against us as student leaders. However, one thing I must emphasise to you, the students who entrusted us with your votes, is that we will not be manipulated or used for anyone’s self-aggrandisement—whether by the staff association, the senior management of the University of The Gambia, or the government,” he stated.

Manjang also warned against the influence of external parties, saying: “We have individuals outside the university trying to escalate the matter by aggravating students’ anger. Ladies and gentlemen, let us not allow external bodies to use us. We are not puppets of the government, the vice-chancellor, or the UTG Staff Association. It must be clear that we are an independent body mandated by the constitution.”

He further clarified the union’s stance, saying, “we have passed a resolution, and I have made it emphatically clear as the union president that, as long as our position or interests are threatened, I will not sit idly by. Our primary agenda is to serve the interests of the students’ union.”

Addressing the aftermath of the protests, Manjang expressed concern for those affected by the use of teargas.

“To our brothers and sisters who may have suffered from the teargas, that was not our intention. We could have tackled this issue together. But if you entrust us with leadership, you cannot simultaneously undermine us by taking matters into your own hands. As a responsible government, we believe in engaging in dialogue,” he added.

By Adama Makasuba