The death of 27-year-old Omar Badjie during a police chase in Mandinary has triggered violent protests, leaving polic and residents in a tense standoff over demands for justice.
According to the Gambia Police Force, Badjie collapsed and lost consciousness while fleeing from a patrol team on Friday. He was first taken to the Banjulinding Health Centre before being referred to the Kanifing General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
News of his death spread quickly, sparking anger among residents—mostly youths—who marched nearly five kilometres from the community, chanting for justice and the release of those arrested in connection with the incident.
Protesters blocked roads, set tires ablaze, and confronted police officers with chants of “freedom for their brothers.”
Police reinforcements from the Intervention Unit in Brikama and later Kanifing were deployed to disperse the crowds using tear gas. Despite initial police statements that calm had been restored, fresh demonstrations erupted on Saturday, underscoring the depth of community anger.
In the ensuing violence, at least twelve officers were reported injured, including PC 9728 Assan Jallow of the Anti-Crime Unit, who was assaulted while off duty. The Mandinary police post was extensively damaged after it was vandalized by rioters.
Authorities confirmed that nineteen individuals, including both minors and adults, have been arrested in connection with the disturbances.
In a statement, the Gambia Police Force extended condolences to Omar Badjie’s family and pledged a “thorough investigation” into the circumstances of his death. The statement also warned that attacks on officers and destruction of public property “will not go unaddressed.”
“The youth of Mandinary and all communities across the country are urged to exercise restraint, remain disciplined, and respect the rule of law,” police said.
While security forces maintain that normalcy has now been restored, tensions remain high in Mandinary as residents continue to demand answers and justice for the late Omar Badjie.
