Four opposition political parties have called on the Gambian government to unconditionally release over 16 demonstrators, while condemning their arrest as an affront to the constitution, which empowers citizens to hold peaceful assemblies.

The opposition group, consisting of APP-SOBEYA and the Gambia Democratic Congress, issued their call following the arrest of over 16 young Gambians who staged a peaceful protest on Thursday, demanding the full publication of buyers of assets linked to former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh.

Speaking on behalf of the opposition at a news conference on Friday, Essa Faal stated that they condemned the arrest of the young people, adding that the demonstrators did not break any laws of the country.

“We stand united in solemn solidarity with the courageous youth of our nation. Our collective voice, representing the diverse political landscape of our country, is raised in unison to condemn in the strongest terms the unwarranted arrest of peaceful protesters and to demand their unconditional release,” he said.

“We further urge the government of The Gambia to uphold the fundamental democratic principles enshrined in our constitution and to respect the inalienable rights of our people. The public demand for the release of government papers detailing the nature of sales and beneficiaries of these assets is a rightful assertion of sovereignty over governance.”

“The youth, in their patriotic favor, attempted to exercise their constitutional right to peacefully assemble by applying for a police permit to protest lawfully. The government’s denial and the arrest of these young people is a significant affront to our democratic ideals,” he added.

By Adama Makasuba