Banjul, September 29th 2025 – President Adama Barrow on Monday evening addressed the nation following protests that left one young man, Omar Badjie, dead and several others, including police officers, injured.
Barrow opened with condolences to Badjie’s family, pledging state support and offering prayers in what he called a time of mourning for the whole nation. He also wished a speedy recovery to those injured, adding: “Every life lost is a loss for our entire nation, and each injury is a reminder of the preciousness of peace.”
The President described the unrest as a serious test for The Gambia, warning that it exposed the fragility of public order when violence replaces dialogue. He affirmed that the right to peaceful protest is guaranteed by the Constitution and respected by his government, but stressed that violence, destruction and intimidation “undermine the very freedoms we seek to protect” and would be dealt with firmly under the law.
Turning to young Gambians, Barrow called them “the heart and hope of this country” and assured them their concerns are being heard. “Your aspirations are at the centre of our national agenda and your voices matter,” he said. At the same time, he urged citizens not to allow those seeking to exploit unrest for personal or political gain to derail unity and progress.
Addressing the security forces, Barrow appealed for professionalism, restraint and respect for citizens’ rights while maintaining public order. He reminded officers that their duty is both to protect the country and uphold the Constitution.
The President also highlighted the role of democratic institutions such as the National Assembly, the courts and civil society, describing them as the proper channels for addressing grievances. He called on Gambians to embrace unity, mutual respect and a shared responsibility for peace and development.
“Only together, through peaceful engagement and shared responsibility, will we build the Gambia of our dreams,” Barrow said, closing with a prayer for national peace and progress.
