Former GALA Youth Member Accuses Movement of Political Bias

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

Saikou Camara, popularly known as “Jali Isco” and a former member of the Gambian youth movement GALA, has publicly accused the organization of abandoning neutrality and aligning itself with opposition politics.
In a press statement shared with the media, Camara alleged that GALA has become increasingly intolerant of members who openly support the government or President Adama Barrow’s administration.
“I want the Gambian people to know the truth: GALA is no longer a neutral youth movement,” Camara stated. “It is now being run by opposition politicians whose problem is with anyone supporting the President or the government.”
Camara said he was once a committed and active member of the movement, claiming he dedicated significant time and sacrifice to GALA’s activities. However, he alleged that tensions arose after he publicly reaffirmed his support for the ruling party.
According to him, the current GALA Secretary, Omar “Revolutionary” Sanyang, allegedly removed him from the group after he decided to return to the ruling National People’s Party (NPP).
Camara further claimed that he later wrote an open letter questioning whether GALA had transformed into a political organization. He also alleged that GALA spokesperson Omar Saibou Camara contacted him and advised him to stop making public comments about the movement.
“When I asked why I was removed, I was told that you cannot be everywhere and still be GALA,” he said. “But the reality is that you can support the opposition and remain in GALA, while those supporting the government are treated differently.”
The former youth activist also criticized GALA’s reported boycott of the Heroes Award initiative, describing the decision as evidence of what he called the movement’s growing political intolerance.
He urged Gambians to critically examine the organization’s role in national unity and youth engagement, alleging that the movement is increasingly divided along political lines.
“I was once a proud GALA member,” Camara declared. “My name is Saikou Camara, known as Jali Isco from Kunkujang Keitaya, and I speak this truth boldly for the Gambian people.”
At the time of publication, GALA officials had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in Camara’s statement.