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Written by: Dawda Baldeh
The Gambia Action Party (GAP) has called for calm and restraint as protests over the country’s electricity crisis continue, warning demonstrators against destroying public and private property.
In a statement, GAP Secretary General and Party Leader Servant Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly said citizens have a legitimate right to protest and demand accountability, but warned that violence and destruction would only worsen the hardship already facing Gambians.
“While citizens have every right to express their frustration and demand accountability, destroying public and private property is not the solution,” Batchilly said.
He said the properties being damaged belong to Gambians and warned that destroying them would create further difficulties for communities and businesses already struggling with prolonged electricity disruptions.
“These properties belong to Gambians. Destroying them will only bring further suffering and create more problems for the very people already facing hardship,” he said.
GAP appealed to protesters to remain peaceful and not allow public anger over the electricity crisis to turn into violence.
“We therefore plead with all protesters to remain calm and peaceful. Do not allow legitimate anger and frustration to be turned into violence and destruction,” Batchilly said.
The party also warned that prolonged unrest could have wider implications for democratic rights and the electoral process ahead of the December 2026 presidential election.
“We must also be careful not to create a situation that could be used as an excuse to undermine democracy, restrict citizens’ rights, or interfere with the electoral process,” Batchilly said.
He maintained that Gambians dissatisfied with the government should use democratic and constitutional means to seek political change.
“The real and lasting solution lies in the ballot box,” he said. “If Gambians are dissatisfied with the current leadership, the most powerful response is to organize, remain peaceful, and vote for the right leaders.”
GAP also called on opposition parties and political leaders to help calm tensions rather than seek political advantage from public anger.
“This is not the time to exploit the anger of the people or add fuel to the fire. We must put The Gambia first and work together to protect peace, stability, and democracy,” Batchilly said.
The party concluded by calling for peaceful protest, the protection of lives and property, and participation in the electoral process.
“Let us protest peacefully. Let us protect Gambian lives and properties. And when the time comes, let the ballot box speak,” Batchilly said.
“The Gambia belongs to all of us. We must not destroy what we are trying to build.”
GAP ended its statement with its slogan: “Mass Development Through Mass Action.”
