By Biran Gaye
Unrest broke out in Brufut and parts of Serrekunda on Wednesday following the police re-arrest of Ousainou Bojang and his sister Amie, just a day after the pair were acquitted and discharged by the High Court in connection with the September 2023 Sukuta-Jabang police shooting.
The Bojang siblings, detained for nearly three years, were cleared of all charges on Tuesday, March 30, 2026, after the High Court found that prosecutors failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Ousainou Bojang was responsible for the fatal shooting of two police officers at the Sukuta-Jabang traffic lights, or that Amie Bojang had facilitated his escape to Casamance, Senegal. The court ordered their immediate and unconditional release.
Less than 24 hours later, police rearrested the siblings at their home in Brufut. The move triggered a swift public backlash, with hundreds of demonstrators—led by civil society group Gambia Against Looted Assets (GALA)—taking to the streets of Brufut and the Westfield area of Serrekunda to demand their release.
Security forces responded with tear gas to disperse the crowds, leading to several injuries. An elderly man was hospitalised after he was allegedly struck by a tear gas canister during the clashes. Businesses in Brufut closed as confrontations continued into the afternoon.
Legal and rights groups condemned the re-arrest as a violation of the High Court’s ruling and a threat to judicial independence. The Committee for Justice (CFJ) described the move as “a clear violation of due process” and urged authorities to respect the court’s decision.
Under mounting public pressure, police released Ousainou and Amie Bojang again late Wednesday. The Gambia Police Force confirmed their release in a statement, citing public concern and the ongoing legal review.
The Sukuta-Jabang shooting case and its aftermath have renewed national debate about rule of law and state authority in The Gambia.
