By Adama Makasuba
Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) has reacted to the resignation of the Chief of Defence Staff following emerging allegations of corruption, misconduct, and abuse of office, calling for a full and independent investigation into the matter.
In a statement issued on the development, the group said while the resignation may appear to be a step toward safeguarding institutional integrity, it should not be interpreted as a substitute for accountability.
“Resignation alone does not amount to accountability,” GALA stated, stressing that public officials must remain answerable for their actions even after leaving office.
The organization said the allegations surrounding the former Chief of Defence Staff are serious and relate to public trust, transparency, and the management of state resources, and therefore require urgent and thorough investigation.
GALA further urged relevant state authorities to ensure that the process is independent, transparent, and free from any form of political interference, warning that failure to do so could undermine public confidence in national institutions.
“The Gambian people deserve answers. They deserve to know whether public resources were mismanaged, whether trust was violated, and whether any laws were broken,” the group added.
The anti-corruption body also emphasized that accountability must apply equally to all public officials regardless of rank or political affiliation, warning against what it described as selective justice.
According to GALA, allowing resignation to replace investigation or prosecution would weaken the country’s fight against corruption and deny citizens the justice they deserve.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the situation and advocating for full disclosure of the facts surrounding the allegations.
“No individual should be above the law, and no resignation should be allowed to bury the truth,” the statement concluded, signing off with its core principles: justice, accountability, and transparency.
