The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice marks today the 26th anniversary of the April 10 and 11, 2000 student massacre, in which 16 Gambian schoolchildren, including a Red Cross volunteer Omar Barrow, were willfully and brutally shot and killed by state security forces.
Twenty-six years later, justice remains elusive. No individual has been held accountable for these grave violations. For over two decades, the State deflected responsibility, promoting a false narrative that the violence originated from the students themselves. It is only through the work of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission that Gambians now know the truth about who ordered and executed these killings. Yet, while 16 young lives were lost, many survivors continue to live with permanent physical injuries and profound psychological trauma, alongside their families who have endured decades of pain and injustice.
On this solemn occasion, EFSCRJ pays tribute to the fallen students who stood courageously against injustice, demanding accountability for the killing of their colleagues, Ebrima, who was killed, and Binta, who was raped by security officers. Their courage and sacrifice remain a lasting source of inspiration. These young citizens confronted abuse of power and police brutality at a tender age, paying the ultimate price. We honour their memory and pray for their souls to rest in eternal peace.
This year’s commemoration comes at a critical moment in the Gambia’s transitional justice process. Since 2017, the country has made efforts to confront past atrocities. The TRRC established the truth and provided comprehensive recommendations, most of which have been accepted by the Government. In this regard, EFSCRJ welcomes the appointment of a Special Prosecutor, Mr. Martin Hackett, and calls for the urgent establishment of a fully functional, independent court to prosecute those responsible, in line with the TRRC recommendations and the Government White Paper.
We also acknowledge the establishment of the Reparations Commission, which has begun its work. However, survivors of April 10 and 11 remain in dire need of comprehensive reparations – medical, financial, psychological, and social. After 26 years of waiting, justice delayed must not become justice denied. EFSCRJ therefore calls for the immediate operationalization of both the prosecution mechanism and the reparations process. No amount of reparations can fully compensate for the loss and suffering endured, but the State, as the primary perpetrator bears a clear moral, political, and legal responsibility to provide closure to victims and their families.
EFSCRJ emphasizes that accountability for past crimes must go hand in hand with preventing present and future violations. It is deeply concerning that, 26 years after April 10 and 11, incidents of police brutality persist in the Gambia. Despite the findings of the TRRC and ongoing security sector reforms, excessive use of force and abuse by the police continue to be reported. It is unacceptable to pursue justice for past atrocities while tolerating ongoing violations. The Government must take decisive measures to end police brutality and ensure that all security forces operate strictly within the law and respect for human rights.
As we commemorate April 10 and 11, EFSCRJ renews its grief and its resolve in demanding justice, accountability, and institutional reform to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and future of all Gambians.
2026 – Empowered Citizens. Accountable Leadership
