By: Aja Beyai
A deeply moving film, ‘Living with the Scars: Remembering April 10th & 11th, 2000’, was screened at the Alliance Française de Banjul, revisiting the tragic student demonstrations that shook The Gambia 25 years ago. Produced under a UNDP-funded project, the film aims to honor the victims, highlight the enduring trauma, and advocate for justice in the wake of the April 2000 massacre.
Hosted by FANTANKA, the event drew representatives from various institutions to reflect on the violent events sparked by the rape of a student by police officers and the subsequent death of another student. These incidents prompted widespread student protests, met with a brutal response from authorities, leaving survivors, families, and the nation scarred.
Awa Dacosta, FANTANKA’s Program Coordinator, emphasized the film’s focus on transnational justice, incorporating men, youth, and children in addressing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and poverty. “We want to clear misinformation about the demonstrations and foster a deeper understanding of their impact,” Dacosta said. The film serves as a platform to memorialize victims while confronting ongoing societal challenges.
Awa Dacosta, FANTANKA’s Program Coordinator
The screening was followed by group discussions on SGBV, justice, and torture, during which participants explored potential paths forward.
Mallen Jobarteh, FANTANKA’s country director, shared the emotional weight of hearing survivors’ stories, expressing anger and sadness at the persistent stigma surrounding SGBV. “Victims are too often blamed, and ignorance fuels this cycle,” Malayan noted, calling for greater societal reflection and support for those affected.
The discussions highlighted the pervasive nature of SGBV and the urgent need for empathy-driven solutions. Participants criticized the tendency to stigmatize victims and emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing these systemic issues.
The event underscored the enduring relevance of the April 2000 tragedy, urging attendees to confront the lasting scars it left behind. By fostering dialogue on justice and SGBV, Living with the Scars serves as both a tribute to the past and a call to action for a more equitable future. As The Gambia grapples with these challenges, the film and its message resonate as a powerful reminder of the need for healing, accountability, and societal change.
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