The Edward Francis Small Center for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) visited the village of Mandinari on Tuesday to express solidarity with the family of Omar Badgie, a young man killed in an incident of alleged police brutality on September 26-27. The visit aimed to console the grieving family and advocate for justice and accountability in a case that has shaken the community.
The EFSCRJ delegation, led by Executive Director Madi Jobarteh, was warmly received by Omar’s uncle, Toumani, and met with Omar’s father, Malang Badgie, stepmother, siblings, aunts, uncles, and community members, including the village committee overseeing the case, chaired by Ebrima John. The team extended condolences and outlined EFSCRJ’s mission to combat human rights violations, emphasizing that Omar’s death falls squarely within their mandate.
During the visit, EFSCRJ reiterated its commitment to supporting the Badgie family in their pursuit of justice. “We stand with the family to ensure their rights are upheld and to demand accountability from the State,” Jobarteh said. He informed the family that EFSCRJ has written to the President and relevant national and international authorities, calling for adherence to due process and transparency in the investigation.
The family shared their ongoing efforts to secure an autopsy and expressed concerns about achieving a fair and efficient judicial process. They highlighted Omar’s vital role in supporting his family, particularly his ailing father, Malang. The loss has left the family in profound grief, compounded by the challenges of living in a community with inadequate public infrastructure and services.
EFSCRJ condemned the systemic issues that burden marginalized communities like Badgie Kunda in Mandinari, where the trauma of Omar’s death now exacerbates poor access to basic services. “The State must protect its citizens’ rights and deliver services, not inflict injustice,” Jobarteh stated, deploring the unnecessary and unjustified killing.
The organization strongly urged the Gambian government to take immediate action to address the case. EFSCRJ demanded that the family be fully informed and consulted on all developments and provided psychological and socioeconomic support. They also demanded that accurate and timely information be shared with the public to ensure transparency and accountability. Above all, they stressed the importance of upholding due process to deliver justice for Omar.
As the case unfolds, EFSCRJ vowed to continue monitoring the situation and engaging with the family and stakeholders to ensure accountability. The organization also reiterated its mission to eradicate police brutality across The Gambia, declaring 2025 “The Year of Transparency and Accountability.”
The visit underscored the urgent need for systemic reform to prevent further tragedies and to restore trust in institutions meant to protect citizens. For the Badgie family and the Mandinari community, the fight for justice for Omar is not just a personal loss but a call for change in a nation grappling with the scars of violence and neglect. EFSCRJ’s presence in Mandinari today signals a resolute step toward that change.
