By: Dawda Baldeh
Hundreds of furious protesters demanding justice for the death of Omar Badjie, who died in police custody yesterday, took to the streets in Lamin, obstructing roads and vandalising police stations, forcing businesses to shut down. From Mandinary to Lamin, the streets echoed with the footsteps of unarmed youth mourning Badjie’s death while protesting against what they describe as police brutality.
Alieu Bah, a member of the activist group Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), voiced concern over the authorities’ handling of the situation, accusing the government of infringing on citizens’ rights. “The government must cease the killing of innocent individuals and uphold the dignity of Gambians,” he said. Bah called on the police to adhere to the laws of the nation and act in the public’s best interest, stressing: “There is no valid justification for police killings. Even a murderer should not be executed by the police.” He warned that failure to act appropriately could lead to dire consequences.
Protesters on the ground expressed similar anger and defiance. “We will not budge. If the police want, they can kill us,” declared Ousman, one of the demonstrators. Another protester, Bakary Sanneh, said: “If the police, who are meant to protect us, are the ones killing us, then we will not passively observe that.” Others accused the authorities of dishonesty, insisting Omar was killed without cause. “We will not leave; let the police tell the truth. They killed Omar without cause, and they intend to kill us. Let them proceed,” said one.
The unrest intensified as protesters halted all traffic, blocked roads with burning tyres, and forced vehicles to turn around. Businesses were compelled to close, and police stations in the area were damaged. Officers responded by deploying tear gas to disperse the crowds, and several individuals were arrested in the process.
The protest, which began yesterday after news of Omar Badjie’s death, has shocked residents of Mandinary and neighbouring communities. Demonstrators are also calling for the unconditional release of young people detained in connection with the incident. The police, however, maintain that Omar Badjie died while attempting to evade arrest.
