All Peoples Party – Sobeyaa (APP-Sobeyaa) has criticized recent government actions, specifically condemning alleged tribalism in appointments and the arrests of members of the Gala movement. The party's statement follows a leaked audio recording attributed to the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, reportedly justifying appointments based on tribal affiliation and perceived political loyalty. Separately, arrests of Gala movement members took place during activities commemorating their one-year anniversary, drawing further censure from APP-Sobeyaa.
Allegations Against Deputy Speaker
APP-Sobeyaa called on the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly to publicly clarify remarks attributed to them and issue an apology to the Gambian people. The party stated that "Such remarks, coming from the holder of one of the highest offices of our Republic, are reckless, dangerous, and fundamentally incompatible with the spirit of the Gambian Constitution and the moral foundations upon which this nation stands." APP-Sobeyaa emphasized that "The office of the Deputy Speaker is not a tribal office. It is a national office. Its occupant is expected to rise above parochial loyalties and act in defence of the unity, dignity, and equal citizenship of all Gambians." The party stressed that "APP-Sobeyaa, therefore, calls on the Deputy Speaker to publicly clarify these remarks and apologise to the Gambian people for the deeply divisive sentiments contained in the recording." They warned that "Silence or dismissal will only deepen public anxiety and reinforce perceptions that tribal considerations are creeping into the governance architecture of our Republic."
Concerns Over Gala Movement Arrests
APP-Sobeyaa expressed disturbance over what it described as a pattern of intolerance and heavy-handed policing, citing the recent arrest and detention of members of the Gala movement. The party asserted that "The right of citizens to assemble peacefully, associate freely, and express themselves politically is not a favour granted by the state. It is a constitutional right." They called for the "immediate and unconditional release of all detained members of the Gala movement," stating that "Democracy is not tested when government supporters gather freely. Democracy is tested when those critical of the establishment are also allowed to organise, speak, and assemble without fear." APP-Sobeyaa further urged the Inspector General of Police and the Ministry of Interior "to exercise restraint, professionalism, and strict adherence to constitutional principles in dealing with citizens and civil society groups." The party concluded by emphasizing that "The Gambia belongs to all of us equally."
Call for National Unity and Rights
All Peoples Party – Sobeyaa (APP-Sobeyaa) has urged immediate and unconditional release for all detained members of the Gala movement, stating that "The right of citizens to assemble peacefully, associate freely, and express themselves politically is not a favour granted by the state. It is a constitutional right." The party further called upon the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly to publicly clarify remarks attributed to them and issue an apology to the Gambian people. APP-Sobeyaa stated, "Such remarks, coming from the holder of one of the highest offices of our Republic, are reckless, dangerous, and fundamentally incompatible with the spirit of the Gambian Constitution and the moral foundations upon which this nation stands."
The party emphasized that "The office of the Deputy Speaker is not a tribal office. It is a national office. Its occupant is expected to rise above parochial loyalties and act in defence of the unity, dignity, and equal citizenship of all Gambians." APP-Sobeyaa warned, "Silence or dismissal will only deepen public anxiety and reinforce perceptions that tribal considerations are creeping into the governance architecture of our Republic."
APP-Sobeyaa also called for the Inspector General of Police and the Ministry of Interior "to exercise restraint, professionalism, and strict adherence to constitutional principles in dealing with citizens and civil society groups." It added, "Democracy is not tested when government supporters gather freely. Democracy is tested when those critical of the establishment are also allowed to organise, speak, and assemble without fear." The party concluded, "The Gambia belongs to all of us equally."
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The article references the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) process, recalling a period when the nation confronted historical injustices. This context frames current calls for accountability and adherence to constitutional principles. All Peoples Party – Sobeyaa (APP-Sobeyaa) has stressed that lessons from the TRRC should guide the nation towards unity and respect for rights. The party’s statements implicitly connect past efforts for national healing with present challenges regarding governance and civil liberties, showing the ongoing need for transparency and inclusivity in state affairs.