Concerned Citizens at the press conference
By Buba Gagigo
Coalition of concerned citizens gathered on Wednesday for a press conference at the Buffer Zone in Tallinding demanding the National Assembly of the Gambia to publicly announce the withdrawal of the controversial National Assembly Members Salaries and Pensions Bill and the Judicial Officers Remuneration and Other Entitlements Bill.
During the press conference, Secretary General of Concerned Citizens Lamin Manneh emphasized their group’s commitment to advocating for transparency and accountability within the government.
“Through our collective efforts, these two bills were supposed to be addressed in the National Assembly before the recess, but they have been withdrawn due to the concerns raised by protesters on the 8th of July 2024. Notwithstanding, we want the National Assembly to publicly announce the withdrawal of these bills for the benefit of record and accountability in the future,” Lamin Manneh said.
The Concerned Citizens also shared insights into their current status and outlined their intended next steps in their advocacy efforts. On Current Status, the group said they will continue to closely monitor legislative developments pertaining to these bills and remain steadfast in their position.
“Should these bills advance despite our advocacy efforts, we are prepared to escalate our actions through a nationwide protest. Our commitment to achieving our demands is resolute, and we remain unwavering in our pursuit of justice,” he said.
On their Next Steps, the group said they will persist in their efforts to engage and inform constituents about the critical issues at stake.
“Our established platforms across the country will remain operational, facilitating ongoing dialogue and mobilization. We urge all citizens to remain vigilant and well-informed,” he said.
The group also said that if their demands are not met, they will embark on a nationwide protest.
“We emphasize that our demonstrations will remain peaceful and lawful. Our commitment to justice and equality will guide our actions, and we will not resort to violence,” he said.
The group also called on Members of the National Assembly to enact legislation aimed at reforming the salary structures to better support low-income earners across the country.
“We urge the Honourable Members of the National Assembly to draft and pass legislation aimed at restructuring the salary scales for low-income earners in The Gambia. This proposed bill should encompass essential sectors including education (teachers), law enforcement (police), the military, healthcare workers, etc. Currently, individuals employed in these critical sectors face significant financial challenges. Their monthly earnings are insufficient to cover basic necessities such as food and housing. Furthermore, the absence of adequate travel allowances exacerbates their financial strain, making it difficult for them to meet both personal and familial needs,” he said.
The group says that, in contrast, members of the National Assembly, the judiciary, and the executive branches enjoy ‘comprehensive’ compensation packages that ensure the financial well-being of their families.
“We assert that similar consideration and support should be extended to low-income earners who serve the nation diligently. This call for salary restructuring is rooted in the principle of equitable treatment and social justice. It is imperative that the leadership demonstrates a commitment to the welfare of all citizens, particularly those who are underprivileged and economically disadvantaged. The
proposed restructuring aims to foster an inclusive environment where every Gambian has the opportunity to live with dignity and economic security,” he said.
The demands put forth by the group during their protest encompassed a range of issues crucial to the wellbeing and equitable treatment of the citizens of The Gambia. These demands include the rejection of the National Assembly Members Salaries and Pensions Bill, the Judicial Officers Remuneration and Other Entitlements Bill, fair compensation for all public servants, equitable allocation of national resources, accountability for National Assembly Members, promotion of social justice, engagement of electorates before passing critical bills, and the introduction of a new pay scale for civil servants.