The Solo Sandeng Foundation has condemned the arrest and detention of peaceful protesters during demonstrations held on Friday, 22 August 2025, in Banjul.

The protests, organised by Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), Team Gom Sa Bopa, and the Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ), were staged outside the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) headquarters.

Demonstrators gathered to oppose PURA’s decision to impose a price floor on GSM operators amid the ongoing data tariff war between Africell, QCell, and Comium. Critics argue the move shields businesses rather than protects consumers.

According to the Foundation, 19 protesters were arrested on Friday, followed by four more on Saturday, with police using physical force.

It described the arrests as a violation of Section 25 of the 1997 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly, speech, and expression.

“The fact that young people are still being arrested for exercising the very rights Solo Sandeng died defending is disturbing and unacceptable,” the Foundation said, recalling how the late activist was murdered in custody in 2016 after leading a protest demanding electoral reform.

The group called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained protesters and urged the government to review PURA’s decision. It also criticised the continuing restrictions on civil liberties despite ongoing security sector reform efforts.

“The Gambia cannot move forward if it continues to criminalise dissent and conceal public interest information,” the Foundation added, pledging solidarity with protesters and journalists detained during the demonstrations.