The youth of Mandinary Village submitted a heartfelt petition to the Ministry of Interior on Tuesday, calling for urgent action following the death of Mr. Omar Badjie after an encounter with officers of the Gambia Police Force on September 26. The petition, received by the Deputy Permanent Secretary on behalf of the Minister, reflects the community’s grief and demand for accountability.
The petition, addressed to the Honorable Minister of Interior and copied to the Inspector General of Police, the Attorney General, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Governor of West Coast Region, and the village’s Alkalo and Development Committee, outlines the community’s concerns and demands. Signed by Ebrima John on behalf of Mandinary’s youth, it emphasizes a commitment to peaceful and lawful engagement while seeking justice for Badjie and his family.
The youth demand the immediate suspension of all police officers involved in Badjie’s arrest, custody, transport, or supervision pending a thorough investigation. They call for an impartial panel, including NHRC representatives and independent forensic and legal experts, to probe the circumstances of his death. The petition emphasizes the importance of witness protection, evidence preservation, and a public report of findings to ensure transparency.
Further, the youth request that any officers found criminally responsible be promptly charged and arraigned in court, in line with Gambian law and due process. They have set a seven-day deadline for the Ministry to provide a public update on the officers’ suspension, the establishment of the investigation panel, and a timeline for potential arrests and charges.
The petition also proposes community safeguards, including an independent autopsy shared with Badjie’s family and the NHRC, a community-police dialogue to rebuild trust, and a dedicated hotline for witnesses to submit evidence safely. These measures aim to restore confidence in law enforcement and prevent future tragedies.
The petition states, “We remain peaceful and cooperative. It grounds its demands in The Gambia’s constitutional values of justice, dignity, and accountability.” The youth hoped the authorities would act swiftly to address their concerns and honor Badjie’s memory.
The death of Omar Badjie has sparked widespread concern in Mandinary, a village known for its close-knit community. Residents describe Badjie as a valued member whose loss has left a void. The petition reflects broader frustrations over police conduct, with the youth emphasizing the need for reforms to ensure lawful use of force and humane custody standards.
The Ministry of Interior has not yet issued a public response to the petition. The community awaits the government’s actions within seven days, hoping for transparency and accountability. The NHRC and other stakeholders are expected to play a critical role in ensuring the investigation meets international human rights standards.
The youth of Mandinary remain resolute, calling for justice while maintaining their commitment to peace. Their petition is a powerful reminder of the community’s demand for fairness and the protection of every citizen’s dignity under the law.
