The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice welcomes the announcement by the Hon. Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow appointing a coroner to inquire into the death of Omar Badjie, which occurred in Mandinari, Kombo North, on 26 September 2025. We view this as a step in the right direction and in accordance with the law.
All eyewitness accounts have consistently pointed to police brutality as the cause of Omar’s death. Yet, without conducting any investigation, the Gambia Police Force prematurely released a statement claiming that Omar died at the hospital after falling down during a hot pursuit by officers. We consider such a statement an attempt to exonerate the police from responsibility, rather than waiting for an impartial coroner’s inquest, especially given the grave circumstances surrounding his death.
Notwithstanding, we also note and welcome the detention and naming of the officers involved in this tragic incident. This is an important step towards ensuring accountability. The officers were arrested on September 28 and remain in custody:
- Constable Sulayman Jarju
- Constable Mamadi Jallow
- Constable Ebrima Touray
- Constable Fa Sainey Cham.
EFSCRJ urges the Government and, in particular, the Gambia Police Force to demonstrate transparency throughout this process, in the best interest of justice and public confidence in law enforcement. People deserve truth, fairness, and accountability, and only an impartial process will guarantee this.
Justice for Omar is Justice for All.
2025 – The Year of Transparency and Accountability
