The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) has announced an immediate suspension of all open-air music and public entertainment events within the Tourism Development Area (TDA). This move has sparked criticism from human rights activist Madi Jobarteh, who described the ban as draconian. The suspension covers concerts, open-air music events, beach parties, festivals, and other public entertainment events held within the TDA, including beaches.
According to GTBoard, the measure is precautionary to safeguard the tourism industry, maintain public order, and protect the safety of tourists, residents, workers, and businesses within the TDA. The Board stated that all organisers must comply fully and urged stakeholders to cooperate with security agencies. The situation will be monitored in consultation with security agencies, tourism stakeholders, and local authorities.
Jobarteh called on GTBoard to lift the blanket ban and focus on targeted security measures. He argued that the Board invoked security without identifying a specific threat, explaining its risk assessment, or providing evidence that an indefinite blanket suspension is necessary. Jobarteh emphasised that entertainment is integral to tourism, particularly around beaches, where concerts, festivals, and beach parties attract visitors and sustain businesses.
Jobarteh questioned the scope of the directive, asking whether it includes events at hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and roadside businesses within the TDA and whether indoor entertainment is covered. He stated that businesses should not have to guess whether their activities are prohibited or depend on the interpretation of individual enforcement officers.
Instead of a blanket ban, Jobarteh suggested that the Tourism Security Unit (TSU) should be strengthened through coordinated patrols, incident response, and cooperation with businesses. He cited alternatives such as better-equipped TSU officers, targeted patrols, CCTV, improved beach lighting, clear security requirements for organisers, and reliable channels for reporting threats.
The notice states the ban remains "until further notice," which Jobarteh described as unacceptable for a decision affecting livelihoods. He called for a clear review date, published criteria for lifting the suspension, and regular public updates. Jobarteh urged GTBoard to disclose the legal basis of its decision, define affected activities, and explain review mechanisms.
Jobarteh emphasised that public institutions must justify decisions transparently and proportionately, adding that where offences occur, law enforcement should target those responsible rather than penalise law-abiding businesses and workers. The GTBoard stated that it appreciates the cooperation and understanding of all stakeholders and remains committed to maintaining a safe, secure, peaceful, and welcoming tourism environment.
Key points
- The Gambia Tourism Board's ban on open-air events has been criticised by human rights activist Madi Jobarteh as draconian.
- The ban covers concerts, open-air music events, beach parties, festivals, and other public entertainment events held within the Tourism Development Area (TDA), including beaches.
- Jobarteh called for targeted security measures and a clear review date for the suspension.
