Outspoken Gambian rapper and activist Killa Ace defiantly told police “we are not rebels” just moments before he was grabbed by riot officers and bundled into a van on Friday.

The rapper whose real name is Ali Cham, is one of Gambia’s most fearless voices against corruption and injustice. His activism once forced him into exile in Senegal during Yahya Jammeh’s dictatorship.

Since returning after Jammeh’s fall, he has faced repeated arrests, including for protests over the death of a Sierra Leonean man in police custody.

On Friday, Ace joined rights movement Gomsabopp, which translates as “believe in yourself”, to lead demonstrations outside the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) against the new data price floor.

He was exchanging heated words with police, who ordered protesters to disperse, citing the country’s controversial public order law.

“The Gambia belongs to me and you. Every gathering, even a joyful one, needs a permit. But you haven’t got a permit, can you please disperse?” a police officer told him.

Ace pushed back: “can you listen to me? I’ve been listening to you; can you listen to me? Bro, don’t push me again, I have been very patient. I am here to exercise my rights.”

When the officer barked “disperse!”, Ace refused:

“I will not disperse. This is a public building and I have a right to be here. We are tired of this exploitation. Police officers, we are not your enemies.”

He added: “we are here peacefully. PURA is a public institution funded by Gambian taxpayers. You have no right to push us away. We are not violent. We are not insulting. We are not terrorists. We are not rebels. I have four children, I am a responsible man.

“We are here to submit a petition on a problem affecting every Gambian, the police, the army, the president, civil servants. We are not fighting you.”

Within moments, riot police swooped in, surrounding the rapper and dragging him away as protesters chanted in defiance.

By Adama Makasuba