The ongoing trial over the tragic shooting of two Police Intervention Unit (PIU) officers, which also left a female officer seriously injured at the Sukuta-Jabang traffic lights, has become a defining moment for The Gambia’s justice system. The primary suspect, Ousainou Bojang, together with his sister Amie Bojang, are currently facing trial for this horrific crime.
In the midst of this highly sensitive case, Mama Jabbie has emerged as the state’s star witness. However, her role has been overshadowed by controversy. She has publicly accused The Gambia’s biggest opposition party, the United Democratic Party (UDP), of being behind the killings—without presenting evidence. Such a grave accusation, made outside of the courtroom and unsupported by facts, risks both undermining the credibility of the trial and inflaming political divisions.
What makes this matter particularly troubling is Mama Jabbie’s close relationship with President Adama Barrow’s sister, Maimuna Barrow (popularly known as Korka). This association raises serious questions of conflict of interest. How can Gambians trust the neutrality of the process when a key state witness is also a close friend of the president’s family?
Equally concerning is the absence of accountability. Despite the weight of her public accusations, Mama Jabbie has not been questioned by the authorities regarding her claims against UDP. This double standard suggests that political connections may be shielding her from scrutiny, thereby weakening public confidence in the rule of law.
For the sake of justice, transparency, and the democratic health of The Gambia, the UDP should consider seeking legal redress. Doing so would not only protect the party’s reputation but would also reaffirm a critical principle: that no one, regardless of personal or political ties, is above the law.
This trial must be allowed to proceed on the basis of evidence, not rumors or politically charged statements. If truth and justice are to prevail, impartiality must remain at the heart of our judicial process. Anything less risks deepening mistrust in our fragile democracy.
By Kebba Cledor Jammeh
