The death of 27-year-old Omar Badjie during a police chase on Friday continues to fuel tension in Mandinary, with fresh arrests and a strong call from the Gambia National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for an independent investigation.
On Saturday, police arrested another group of youths, including prominent activist Alieu Bah, who was seen standing near the protest site. He was taken into custody with several others, even as authorities confirmed the release of those detained on Friday. Alieu was subsequently released after spending hours under policy custody.
The unrest began after Badjie was said to have collapsed and died while fleeing a police patrol. Police said he “fell during hot pursuit” before being rushed to Banjulinding Health Centre and later referred to Kanifing General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. But many residents allege he was beaten by officers.
The Ministry of Interior has issued a statement, stating that there will be a corona inquest to established the death of Omar and the they promised to communicate to the public the out come.
Following the incident, angry youths vandalized the Mandinary Police Post, clashed with officers, and blocked roads. At least twelve police officers sustained serious injuries, and 19 individuals were arrested, according to police. Tear gas was used to disperse crowds, while reinforcements from Brikama and Kanifing were deployed to restore calm.
In a statement issued Saturday, the NHRC extended condolences to Badjie’s family and urged the Gambia Police Force to urgently establish a special task force to investigate his death “thoroughly and impartially, without undue delay.”
The Commission stressed that conflicting accounts, police saying Badjie fell, while witnesses allege he was beaten, require an inquiry with independent oversight and findings made public. Witnesses must also be protected from intimidation.
“Investigate his death “thoroughly and impartially, without undue delay.”
Gambia Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
Citing Section 18 of the 1997 Constitution, the NHRC emphasized the sanctity of life and reminded authorities of their obligations under international treaties and the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act, 2023.
The Commission also expressed alarm at recurring police misconduct, particularly indiscriminate tear gas use and arbitrary arrests during public assemblies, warning that such practices undermine peace and human dignity. It urged the government to accelerate security sector reforms, including training in human rights, crowd control, and non-lethal policing.
“The youth of Mandinary and all communities must remain calm, refrain from violence, and allow due process to take its course,” the NHRC appealed. “Let justice guide our actions.”
Police say normalcy has been restored in Mandinary, but residents remain on edge as protests continue sporadically.
