We are deeply concerned and outraged by the tragic and violent death of a young man, Omar Badgie of Mandinari, WCR in circumstances directly involving the police. This case is a direct reflection of the growing pattern of police brutality, corruption, and poor governance that continues to plague our country.
As required by The Coroners Act, there must be an immediate coroner’s inquiry into this death. The circumstances are both violent and unnatural, and the law is clear that such cases require a formal, independent, and transparent investigation.
We fully endorse the call that all officers involved in this incident must be immediately suspended pending a thorough investigation. The findings of this investigation must be made public, and justice must not only be done but be seen to be done.
Furthermore, President Adama Barrow must address the nation. It is his constitutional and moral duty to speak directly to the Gambian people, explain what he knows about this matter, and outline what his government intends to do, not only regarding this case but also to tackle the broader crisis of police brutality, corruption, and institutional failures that have plagued his administration.
The President must understand that things are spiralling out of control. Under his leadership, numerous lives have been lost without accountability:
1. 2017 – Haruna Jatta killed by ECOMIG soldiers in Kanilai.
2. 2018 – Three youths shot dead by police in Faraba during protests against destructive sand mining.
3. 2019 – Ousman Darboe, a Serrekunda market vendor, died following detention and alleged torture by the Anti-Crime Unit.
4. 2019 – Kebba Secka, a UTG student, stabbed to death by members of the Drug Squad in Senegambia.
5. 2022 – Over 66 children died after consuming contaminated cough syrup due to corruption and negligence at the Ministry of Health and Medicines Control Agency.
6. 2025 – Another young man, Omar Badgie now killed in Mandinari in circumstances directly involving police action.
7. Ongoing – Numerous incidents of police beatings, illegal arrests, indiscriminate use of teargas, torture, and other forms of abuse against citizens and communities continue to rise unchecked.
For all these tragedies, no meaningful accountability has been delivered. Close to 100 Gambians have lost their lives in circumstances involving or caused by security forces and state negligence in just nine years.
This cannot continue. The pattern of violence, impunity, and state failure is unacceptable.
We therefore demand that:
1. A coroner’s inquiry be launched immediately in accordance with the law.
2. All officers involved be suspended without pay pending investigations.
3. The President publicly address the nation, acknowledging these repeated failures and presenting clear actions to end police brutality and corruption.
4. The government take urgent and concrete steps to restore public trust by ensuring justice, accountability, and reform.
The people of The Gambia deserve safety, justice, and dignity. We will not remain silent as lives continue to be lost with impunity. The President must step up and show leadership or be held accountable for his government’s repeated and deadly failures.
Enough is enough. Justice must be served, and this cycle of violence must end.
2025 – The Year of Transparency and Accountability
