Police in the Republic of The Gambia on Monday physically removed Auditor General Momodou Ceesay from office after he declined to relinquish his post in a tense standoff that has sparked public outrage and fresh allegations of political interference in the country’s audit system.

Staff members blocked the officers in scenes broadcasted live on social media, until reinforcements arrived to escort Ceesay out of a press conference and into his lawyer’s office.

The move triggered swift backlash from Gambians, with youth groups threatening street protests in the capital’s outskirts unless Ceesay is reinstated. Prominent activist Kemo Fatty accused the president of silencing an independent auditor, declaring in a viral video: “He refused your appointment. Now you forcibly remove him? Are the Gambian people not watching?” Fatty and fellow anti-corruption campaigner Alieu Bah were later arrested as they gathered at the audit office.

The controversy has deepened political tensions in the Gambia, already unsettled by protests over allegations that President Barrow’s allies benefited from assets once linked to former leader Yahya Jammeh. Barrow has denied any involvement.

In a statement, the presidency defended the reshuffle, saying Ceesay’s appointment as trade minister was “based solely on his qualifications and experience” and not intended to interfere with the audit office. It added that the government remained “firmly committed to the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and the responsible management of public finances.”

For now, however, Sowe has yet to report to work as auditor general amid public backlash, leaving the leadership of The Gambia’s audit institution in limbo.