Gambia’s Agriculture Minister, Demba Sabally, is under intense fire after making controversial remarks against opposition figures Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe and APP-Sobeya leader Essa Mbye Faal.
Sabally, who also serves as the deputy national president of the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), warned that both leaders would be jailed if they joined protests again. The two had recently visited demonstrating youths and showed support for their cause. Sabally accused them of encouraging unlawful demonstrations and issued a stark warning: “No one is above the law.”
“If they continue to incite unrest instead of urging peace, the government won’t hesitate to arrest them,” he said.
His comments sparked immediate condemnation. APP-Sobeya spokesperson Ousainu Bob said the minister’s threats were an attempt to silence dissent and undermine democracy.
“We will resist any effort to intimidate Essa Faal or Mayor Lowe. These actions go against the very foundations of our Constitution,” Bob declared.
Human rights advocate Madi Jobarteh went even further, calling for Sabally’s resignation, dismissal, and prosecution. He described the minister’s words as unconstitutional, dangerous, and reminiscent of dictatorship.
“Demba Sabally is clearly out of touch with democratic values,” Jobarteh said. “His rhetoric threatens national peace and reveals a troubling desire to return to authoritarian rule.”
He emphasized that peaceful protest is a constitutional right for all citizens, including politicians. “If Sabally believes he can handcuff his critics without consequence, he should be prepared for the legal and public backlash that will follow,” he added.
The backlash highlights growing political tensions in The Gambia, as opposition voices push back against what they see as rising government intolerance.
