Some Gambian youths took to the streets on Monday to express their discontent with the proposed Judiciary Officers Remuneration bill and the National Assembly salaries and pension bill.
The Judiciary Officers Remuneration bill aims to increase salaries, allowances, and pension entitlements for judicial officers, while the National Assembly bill seeks similar enhancements for lawmakers.
Led by the Concerned Gambian Youth organization, protesters held placards with messages such as “Youths Are Not Happy” and “You Told Us You Would Make Us Better, But Instead Bitter.”
The bills have stirred controversy, with demonstrators voicing frustration over the government’s prioritization of judicial and legislative salaries over essential workers like teachers, security personnel, and other junior civil servants.
Against the backdrop of economic hardships and high living costs, protesters gathered at Bond Road Junction and marched to the National Assembly in Banjul, demanding that their concerns be heard and addressed.
Report by Sang Donald Mendy
