The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice notes that the Ministry of Justice has withdrawn its ex parte motion before the High Court, which sought to prevent the release of Ousainou Bojang and Amie Bojang following their full acquittal and discharge on 30 March 2026. This development comes as EFSCRJ submitted a formal letter to the President this morning, urging him to ensure their immediate and unconditional release in accordance with his oath of office and the Constitution.
EFSCRJ condemns, in the strongest terms, the Ministry’s initial action as unlawful, unjustified, and ethically indefensible. The withdrawal does not cure the illegality of the motion; rather, it underscores that it should never have been filed. It is evident that this reversal was driven not by respect for the law, but by sustained public condemnation and protests led by GALA and concerned Gambian youths. Without such civic pressure, the Government appeared prepared to persist in this blatant defiance of a court ruling.
Equally alarming is the response of the security forces to peaceful protesters. The deployment of armed police, the indiscriminate use of tear gas, and excessive force, resulting in the alleged death of a baby, as well as injuries, hospitalizations, arbitrary arrests, and detentions, constitute grave violations of the rights to life, liberty, and peaceful assembly. Citizens exercising their constitutional freedoms must be protected and not subjected to repression.
In light of these grave violations, EFSCRJ calls for the immediate resignation of the Minister of Justice, Dawda A. Jallow, and the Inspector General of Police, Seedy Muctarr Touray, for their responsibility in this matter. Their conduct in defying a lawful court order, violating the fundamental rights of citizens, and undermining the authority and independence of the Judiciary, constitutes a serious abuse of power, a clear dereliction of duty, and a direct breach of the Constitution. Such actions demand not only resignation but full accountability under the law.
There can be no peace, justice, or democratic stability in the Gambia when public officials act with impunity, exceed their lawful authority, and disregard the very laws and institutions they are sworn to uphold. This conduct fuels human rights abuses, entrenches corruption, and weakens public trust in governance.
EFSCRJ therefore rejects the withdrawn ex parte motion in its entirety as null and void ab initio. We demand the resignation or removal of the Minister of Justice, the Inspector General of Police, and all officials responsible for the unlawful detention of Ousainou and Amie Bojang, and for denying them the freedom duly granted by the court, as well as violating the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly.
We urge the President and the National Assembly to act accordingly.
2026 – Empowered Citizens. Accountable Leadership
