At least six leaders of Gambians Against Looted Assets and several supporters have reportedly been detained following a gathering marking the movement’s anniversary at the Youth Monument in Kanifing.

Those reportedly arrested include Hakim Touray, Omar Saibo Camara, Abdoulie T Bah and Kex Sanneh, Alieu Bah, and Galas Ceesay.

Police reportedly argued that the group violated the country’s laws by staging the gathering without a permit.

However, GALA members rejected the claim, insisting that they had received approval from the Kanifing Municipal Council, which manages the Youth Monument.

Reacting to the incident, Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda defended the use of the venue, stating that the Youth Monument has for decades served as a public space for civic engagement, advocacy, and celebrations.

Bensouda said KMC has routinely approved events at the facility without requiring organisers to obtain police permits unless the activity involved a procession or march outside the premises.

According to the mayor, the venue has this year alone hosted more than 20 rented events and over 15 free community activities, including programmes organised by government institutions and civil society groups.

He cited recent approvals granted to organisations such as the Gambia National Boxing Association, the Gambia Women’s Chamber of Commerce, the Gambia Immigration Department and the Young Nursing Association of the University of The Gambia.

Bensouda said it came as a surprise to KMC that the venue was suddenly being subjected to permit requirements, adding that the development reinforced his longstanding call for the repeal of the Public Order Act and broader democratic reforms.

He also called for the immediate release of the detained youths and urged police to prioritise dialogue and engagement over force, arguing that the gathering posed no visible threat to public safety.

By Adama Makasuba