The Gambia’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed deep concern over the arrest and treatment of members of Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), accusing police of possible violations of constitutional rights and international human rights standards.
In an open letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police, the Attorney General, and the Minister of Justice, the NHRC detailed findings from a fact-finding mission conducted on Friday at Kairaba and Kotu Police Stations. The mission followed the arrest of several GALA members at the Youth Monument in WestField while the group was marking its first anniversary.
NHRC investigators interviewed detainees, inspected detention facilities, and engaged with on-duty officers. The Commission raised alarm that several detainees were reportedly not promptly informed of the reasons for their arrest, in contravention of Section 19 of the 1997 Constitution. Some were allegedly denied timely access to lawyers and family members, with mobile phones confiscated and initial restrictions placed on communication.
“Such restrictions would undermine fundamental due process guarantees and the right to legal representation,” the letter stated.
Conditions inside the stations were described as falling well below acceptable standards. Investigators observed overcrowding, poor ventilation, inadequate lighting, insufficient bedding, and unhygienic facilities infested with bedbugs and roaches. Female detainees lacked gender-sensitive arrangements, and one detainee was reportedly placed in solitary confinement without clear justification.
The NHRC also highlighted uncertainty among police officers about granting bail for what appear to be bailable offenses, leading to prolonged detention without a clear legal basis.
While acknowledging the police’s responsibility to maintain public order, the Commission reminded authorities that law enforcement must strictly comply with the Constitution, domestic laws, and The Gambia’s regional and international human rights obligations.
The letter issued six specific demands to the Inspector General of Police including Ensuring all arrests comply with constitutional safeguards, including informing individuals of the reasons for arrest; Guarantee immediate access to legal counsel and family; Facilitate police bail in accordance with the law; Limit solitary confinement to exceptional cases; Immediately improve conditions at Kairaba and Kotu stations regarding lighting, ventilation, sanitation, hygiene, and gender-sensitive arrangements; and Hold officers accountable and reinforce training on human rights standards.
The NHRC pledged continued monitoring and constructive engagement with the police to strengthen human rights compliance in law enforcement.
The development comes amid growing scrutiny of how authorities handle public gatherings and protests in the country. GALA, a civil society group focused on transparency and accountability regarding state assets, has not yet issued a public response to the arrests.
