𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭, 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟎 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

𝗕𝘆 𝗣𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺

The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG) took to the streets on Saturday, November 8, 2025, demanding the re-tabling of the 2020 Draft Constitution and accountability from government officials. The protest, held one year after the group’s last demonstration, drew members of civil society organizations, political actors, and ordinary citizens who called for renewed commitment to democratic reforms.

Speaking during the protest, CoPG Secretary General Celestine Kujabi expressed disappointment with what he described as government delay tactics and lack of political will to implement the long-awaited constitutional reforms. He criticized the Office of the Inspector General of Police for issuing a protest permit only 48 hours before the event, despite an application submitted as far back as July 2025.

“Our vision is for a Gambia where government and public servants are accountable to the people at home and abroad,” Kujabi declared. “We want to ensure that every Gambian enjoys equal rights and opportunities with tolerance, social justice, and inclusion.”

The Coalition reiterated that the 2020 Draft Constitution, developed by the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) following broad national and diaspora consultations, embodied the collective aspirations of Gambians. Among its key provisions were presidential term limits, asset declaration requirements, separation of powers, local government autonomy, and restrictions on presidential immunity after leaving office.

However, the group condemned what it termed an “unconstitutional move” by the executive and the Ministry of Justice to alter entrenched clauses in the draft without proper consultation. “The Draft Constitution is the voice of the people and a reflection of our sovereignty,” Kujabi stressed, calling on the government and National Assembly to “respect the will of Gambians and re-table the original CRC Draft for promulgation.”

The CoPG also highlighted the loss of public funds and trust, noting that over D120 million was spent on producing the 2020 Draft Constitution, which was later rejected by 23 pro-government lawmakers in 2021. Kujabi described the rejection as “one of the most adverse political errors in Gambian history.”

As chants of “Power to the People” filled the air, protesters vowed to continue their advocacy until the government honors its commitment to constitutional reform. “We will keep monitoring and evaluating progress on this issue,” Kujabi concluded, urging lawmakers to ensure any amendments reflect the aspirations of the Gambian people.

The Coalition’s renewed protest comes amid growing public concern over governance, transparency, and the slow pace of institutional reform in the country’s democratic transition.