President Adama Barrow has publicly criticized opposition leader Ousainu Darboe following his national address on Wednesday night concerning the Sukuta–Jabang police shooting case, raising doubts about Darboe’s impartiality.
Speaking in Foni Somita, President Barrow expressed disappointment with the opposition leader’s remarks, suggesting that Darboe’s strong interest in the case, along with public perceptions surrounding his involvement, undermines his neutrality. “The interest he has shown in this judgment and the perception people have about him in relation to the case suggest that his hands are not clean,” Barrow stated.
The president noted that unrest had taken place earlier in the day, after which Darboe addressed the nation around 10:00 p.m., criticizing the government while praising the presiding judge and defense lawyers. Barrow contrasted this response with past incidents involving arrests of members of Darboe’s party, claiming the opposition leader had remained silent at the time, allegedly out of fear of former President Yahya Jammeh.
Barrow also highlighted what he described as inconsistencies in Darboe’s stance on judicial rulings, pointing out that the opposition leader had previously dismissed unfavorable court decisions as unjust. He argued that education does not necessarily translate into sound judgment, accusing Darboe of speaking out selectively when it serves his interests.
The dispute is rooted in the fatal shooting on September 12, 2023, at the Sukuta–Jabang traffic lights, where two Police Intervention Unit officers, Sang J. Gomez and Pateh Jallow, were killed, and a third officer, Ansey Jawo, was injured.
Ousainou Bojang, a native of Brufut, was accused of carrying out the attack and was arrested along with his sister, Amie Bojang, who was alleged to have aided his escape. Both faced multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, terrorism, and being an accessory.
After nearly three years of court proceedings, the High Court acquitted the siblings on March 30, 2026, citing weak and inconsistent evidence presented by the prosecution.
Following the ruling, authorities rearrested the Bojang siblings pending an appeal, sparking youth protests on Wednesday in Brufut and Westfield. The Ministry of Justice later withdrew its request to extend their detention and released them in line with the bail conditions previously set by the trial judge.
