By Dawda Baldeh
Gambia’s Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang has confirmed the suspension of all officers involved in the patrol that led to the death of Omar Badjie, pledging an independent investigation into the incident.
Speaking to mourners gathered at the family home in Mandinary, Minister Sanyang said: “I can confirm that all officers on the patrol team have been suspended,” though he did not specify how many.
He described the incident as “shocking,” adding: “The President is concerned about it and sends his condolences to the family. Such a tragedy must be thoroughly investigated.”
A postmortem examination is scheduled for Monday, 29 September, followed by a coroner’s inquest. “A magistrate will be appointed to conduct court hearings on the case, allowing public access. The police will not carry out the investigation. We want it to be independent so that everyone will know what transpired,” Sanyang said.
He urged calm and assured the family that they would be represented throughout the process. “Every aspect of the investigation will be conducted independently, and the family will have a representative to observe what occurred and hear directly from the medical professionals,” he noted.
Tumani Badjie, the victim’s stepfather, called for justice. “We don’t want anything to be swept under the rug. Let the authorities do what is right,” he said.
