The Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (TANGO) issued a statement on May 9, 2026, expressing "grave concern" over the arrest and detention of members of Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA). The organization condemned what it described as the continued harassment and intimidation of peaceful citizens during GALA's one-year anniversary commemoration at the Youth Monument, an event that TANGO stated was met with police interference, arrests, and intimidation.
TANGO characterized the incidents as "a troubling pattern that threatens democratic freedoms and civic space in The Gambia." The group asserted that actions against GALA members represented "abuse of authority, disregard for due process and the shrinking tolerance for civic engagement and dissenting voices." TANGO added, "The repeated use of the Public Order Act to target peaceful assemblies is especially alarming in light of our country’s painful history of repression and abuse of state power."
Concerns Over Civic Space
TANGO stated that actions by security forces, particularly the Gambia Police Force, against Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) members represent "a troubling pattern that threatens democratic freedoms and civic space in The Gambia." The organization noted that The Gambian Constitution guarantees every citizen and association the right to freedom of assembly, association, and expression. TANGO asserted that these rights are "fundamental pillars of any democratic society" and must be respected without intimidation or selective enforcement.
The organization noted that the incident raises concerns about "abuse of authority, disregard for due process and the shrinking tolerance for civic engagement and dissenting voices." TANGO further stated that the arrest of GALA members is part of a recurring pattern involving youth activists and civic groups. Over the past months, GALA members and other youth activists have repeatedly faced arrests, prosecutions, and intimidation linked to peaceful protests and civic actions concerning public accountability, governance, and transparency.
TANGO emphasized that "The repeated use of the Public Order Act to target peaceful assemblies is especially alarming in light of our country’s painful history of repression and abuse of state power." The association added that "The Act, in its current form and application, is outdated and out of sync with the democratic realities and constitutional aspirations of present-day The Gambia." TANGO showed that "We remain steadfast in our belief that peaceful civic engagement and public participation are not threats to national security but essential ingredients for democratic development and accountability." The organization concluded that "the democratic future of our country depends on protecting civic space and ensuring that the mistakes of the past are never repeated."
Critique of Public Order Act
The Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (TANGO) criticized the continued use of The Gambia's Public Order Act to regulate assemblies, describing it as inconsistent with democratic standards and the country’s transitional justice commitments. TANGO stated that this practice constitutes "a troubling pattern that threatens democratic freedoms and civic space in The Gambia." The organization reiterated its belief that freedom of assembly, association, and expression are "fundamental pillars of any democratic society" and should not be met with "abuse of authority, disregard for due process and the shrinking tolerance for civic engagement and dissenting voices."
TANGO noted the findings of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), noting that the commission had showed the dangers of unchecked state power and recommended reforms to prevent future abuses. The organization warned that "The repeated use of the Public Order Act to target peaceful assemblies is especially alarming in light of our country’s painful history of repression and abuse of state power." TANGO asserted that "The Act, in its current form and application, is outdated and out of sync with the democratic realities and constitutional aspirations of present-day The Gambia." The organization called on security institutions to learn from the TRRC's findings, stating, "We call on all security institutions to draw lessons from the TRRC and refuse to be used as instruments of intimidation or political repression."
TANGO renewed its call for the immediate review and reform of the Public Order Act, aligning with the TRRC's recommendations. The association emphasized, "The duty of the security sector in a democratic society is to protect citizens and uphold constitutional order, not to undermine fundamental freedoms." TANGO also stressed the importance of governance, asserting, "Oversight and accountability are essential components of democratic governance and must not be neglected."
TANGO further warned that the democratic future of The Gambia depends on protecting civic space and ensuring that past mistakes are not repeated. The organization affirmed, "We remain steadfast in our belief that peaceful civic engagement and public participation are not threats to national security but essential ingredients for democratic development and accountability." TANGO concluded its statement by emphasizing that "the democratic future of our country depends on protecting civic space and ensuring that the mistakes of the past are never repeated."
Calls for Accountability
The Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (TANGO) urged security institutions to learn from the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) findings and to avoid becoming instruments of intimidation or political repression. TANGO stated, "We call on all security institutions to draw lessons from the TRRC and refuse to be used as instruments of intimidation or political repression." The organization characterized the actions against Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) members as "a troubling pattern that threatens democratic freedoms and civic space in The Gambia." TANGO emphasized that "The duty of the security sector in a democratic society is to protect citizens and uphold constitutional order, not to undermine fundamental freedoms." TANGO maintains that freedom of assembly, association, and expression are "fundamental pillars of any democratic society," which should not be met with "abuse of authority, disregard for due process and the shrinking tolerance for civic engagement and dissenting voices." The group added, "The repeated use of the Public Order Act to target peaceful assemblies is especially alarming in light of our country’s painful history of repression and abuse of state power." TANGO concluded that "the democratic future of our country depends on protecting civic space and ensuring that the mistakes of the past are never repeated."
TANGO also called on the National Assembly to exercise its oversight mandate by investigating recurring incidents that restrict civic freedoms and involve alleged abuse of power. The organization noted that "The Act, in its current form and application, is outdated and out of sync with the democratic realities and constitutional aspirations of present-day The Gambia." TANGO stressed the importance of governance, asserting, "Oversight and accountability are essential components of democratic governance and must not be neglected." The association affirmed, "We remain steadfast in our belief that peaceful civic engagement and public participation are not threats to national security but essential ingredients for democratic development and accountability."
