On August 19, 2025, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) introduced a directive setting a minimum price of D50 (about USD 0.73) for 1 GB of mobile data, representing a 243 percent increase and effectively ending low-cost promotional bundles. PURA justified the decision by citing network congestion, reduced internet speeds, and declining service quality, particularly outside urban areas.
In response, civil society organisations, including the Edward Francis Small Centre for Justice and Human Rights (EFSCRJ), Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), and Team Gom Sa Bopa, called for a peaceful protest on August 22, 2025, outside PURA’s headquarters in Kanifing. Protesters argued that the decision undermined digital access and disproportionately affected citizens, calling instead for improved service quality and fair pricing.
Ahead of the protest, the Gambia Police Force warned that the demonstration had not been formally authorised and that participants could face legal consequences. Organisers, however, maintained that their actions were protected under Section 25 of the 1997 Constitution, which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly.
Despite the peaceful nature of the protest, riot police intervened and arrested about 19 participants, who were detained at Kairaba Police Station. Those reportedly arrested included Yusef Taylor, spokesperson for Team Gom Sa Bopa and founder of Askanwi Media, and musician and activist Ali “Killa Ace” Cham.
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) calls on the Gambian authorities to immediately release all detained protesters and to ensure that the right to peaceful assembly is fully respected. The organisation also urges a review of the PURA directive to ensure that data pricing remains affordable and aligned with the public interest.
